Abstract

Aim.The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of patient education on postoperative pain perception in patient undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

Background.Pain is a common complication after CABG surgery. Non-pharmacological methods are more favorable than pharmacological agents. 

Method.In this quasi-experimental study, 72 patients who were scheduled for elective CABG surgery  were randomized to experimental (n=36) and control group (n=36). Experimental group received educational intervention about pain control, one day before surgery (20-30 minutes duration), while control group received no intervention. Following transferring to the ICU and 2 hours after extubation, patients’ pain intensity wasmeasured by Johnson’s numerical scale. The measurements wererepeated twice withanintervalof threehours. The type and dosage of pain medication administered during ICU stay were recorded. To analyse the data, descriptive(mean and standard deviation, frequency distribution and percentage) and analytical statistics (Chi-square and Mann-Whitneytest) were used.

Findings.There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Two hours after extubation, there were no statistically significant difference between experimental and control group in the intensity of pain (P=0.313). Pain intensity was significantly lower in experimental group than control group, 5 hours (P=0.015) and 8 hours (P=0.006) after surgery. The results also showedthat the amount ofanalgesics used to relieve post-operativepain was significantly lower in experimental group than control group (P=0.046).

Conclusion.Patient education about pain control may have positive effects on postoperative pain in patients undergoing CABG surgery. This intervention could serve as an effective strategy for nurses to improve pain management among these patients.