Pain management communication between parents and nurses after pediatric outpatient surgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore parent-nurse pain management communication during a child's discharge process following pediatric outpatient surgery.

Design And Methods: Thirty-two clinical encounters at discharge between parents (N = 40) and nurses (N = 25) at BC Children's Hospital were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was applied on the audio recordings and corresponding transcripts using MAXQDA qualitative research software and Microsoft Excel.

Results: Overall, nurses delivered pain management instructions at an average sixth grade readability level and frequently used communication elements of reassurance, optimism, and question-asking. Less consistent communication elements included open-ended questions, interruptions, and promotion of parental decision-making. Parents most frequently asked one to five questions, with pain medication being the most inquired topic.

Conclusions: Several strengths of the nurse communication approach were identified, and parent questions highlighted a need for greater understanding around pain medication.

Practice Implications: These findings will help guide effective pain management communication and care for young patients and their families.