Longitudinal Assessment of Pain-Related Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgery
Many people have pain after surgery, but we don't know much about how they cope once they leave the hospital. This study wants to understand how pain changes in the first few weeks after an operation. It will look at how much pain people have, how it stops them from doing everyday things, and if they start to show early signs of nerve pain. By gathering information at different times after surgery, researchers hope to learn how quickly people recover, if they use pain relief, and where their pain is located. The results will help doctors and nurses across different hospitals improve the care and pain management they offer to patients after surgery, both in and out of the hospital.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have surgery, it's normal to feel some pain afterwards. Doctors and nurses usually keep a close eye on your pain while you're in hospital, especially in the first day or so. We also know a fair bit about long-term pain that some people experience many months after surgery. However, there's a big gap in our understanding about what happens with pain once you go home. How do you manage? How long does it take before you can get back to your usual activities without discomfort?
This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers want to understand how you recover in terms of pain and how well you can do everyday tasks once you're back home. They're curious about things like whether you need pain medicine, if the pain is just around your surgery scar or more widespread, and if there are any early signs of nerve-related pain. Catching nerve pain early could be important, as this type of pain can sometimes become long-lasting.
By collecting this information, the study hopes to give healthcare teams, like those at your local hospital, a much better picture of how well their current pain care works. This knowledge can then help them make improvements to ensure patients, like you, get the best possible pain support and care, not just in hospital but also in those crucial first weeks after you return home.
Key takeaways
- The study helps understand pain recovery after surgery, especially once you're home.
- It aims to improve future patient care and pain relief.
- You won't get any new treatments, just answer questions.
- Participation involves three short assessments over about one month.
- Your decision to join or leave the study won't affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults who are at least 18 years old. To take part, you would need to be in hospital on the first day after your surgery and have been back on the ward for at least six hours. You also need to be happy to give your permission to be assessed three times over a month.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if you can't communicate clearly, or if you have a condition that affects your thinking or memory. If you're asleep, too unwell, or in too much pain to talk at the time, you wouldn't be included. Also, if you simply don't want to answer the questionnaires, that's perfectly fine, and you wouldn't be asked to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Will you be on the ward for at least 6 hours on the first day after your surgery?
- Are you able and willing to communicate clearly?
- Are you happy to answer questionnaires about your pain and recovery?
- Are you able to provide your consent to participate three times over one month?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, it's quite straightforward. You won't be given any new medicines or treatments. Instead, your involvement will be about sharing information about your pain and how you're feeling. You would be assessed at three different times:
1. **On the first day after your surgery**, while you are still in the hospital. 2. **About 7 days after your surgery**, which will likely be after you've gone home. 3. **About 1 month after your surgery**, again, after you're at home.
During these assessments, you'll be asked questions about your pain, how it affects your daily life, and your general well-being. This will involve filling in questionnaires. The total duration of your participation in the study from your first assessment to your last would be about one month.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (16)
- Jena University HospitalVerified postcodeJena, Germany
- Hospital General de Chihuahua Salvador Zubirán AnchondoVerified postcodeEl Bajo, Mexico
- Hospital Aranda de La Parra (Leon Guanajuato)Verified postcodeLeón, Mexico
- Hospital Central MilitarVerified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital San Javier GuadalajaraVerified postcodeGuadalajara, Mexico
- Centro Nacional SIGLO XXI (IMSS)Verified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital Angeles Interlomas CDMXVerified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital de traumatologia y Ortopedia Lomas Verdes (IMSS)Verified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital fundación Medica SurVerified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital General de Villacoapa (IMSS)Verified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Hospital Ruben LeñeroVerified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de CancerologíaVerified postcodeMexico City, Mexico
Common questions
What is this study trying to find out?
It's trying to learn how much pain people have and how they recover in the first few weeks after surgery, once they've gone home.
Will I have to take any new medication?
No, you won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of this study.
How many times will I be assessed?
You will be assessed three times: the day after surgery, about a week later, and then about a month after surgery.
Does taking part affect my usual medical care?
No, your regular medical care and treatment will not be affected in any way by whether you join the study or not.
What if I feel too unwell to answer questions?
If you're too ill, in too much pain, or simply don't wish to be interviewed, you won't be asked to participate or continue.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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