Abstract ID: A26
Abstract Title: Postdischarge Pain and Burden Incurred by Patients and their Caregivers Following Outpatient Surgery: a Pilot Study
Authors: Kumar K1, Stierer T2, Fleisher L3, Wu C4
The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 1, The Johns Hopkins University 2, University of Pennsylvania 3, The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 4
Poster Type: Poster
ABSTRACT BODY
Introduction:
The burden of patients and their caregivers after outpatient surgery has not been fully examined. The presence of postdischarge symptoms such as pain and fatigue may delay patient recovery and increase the burden on the patient’s caregiver. We designed a prospective survey (pilot) study to assess the impact of outpatient surgery on recovery of patients and their caregivers in the postoperative period.
Materials and Methods:
Surveys assessing postoperative recovery were given to patients on postoperative days 1-3, 7 and 30. Surveys assessing the burden of informal caregiving were given to the patients’ primary caregivers on postoperative days 1-3 and 7.
Results:
Forty-four adult patients undergoing a variety of outpatient surgical procedures were enrolled. We found that 36% of patients needed more time than originally anticipated to resume their daily activities and 10% of patients needed to take more time off from work than originally anticipated. Patients were approximately 66% and 83% fully recovered 7 and 30 days after surgery, respectively. The presence of postdischarge symptoms, particularly pain, may have prevented some of the patients from resuming normal activities. Sixteen of 44 (36%) of patients needed more time than originally anticipated to resume their daily activities with pain (5 of 8 responses) being the most frequently cited symptom to prevent the patient from resuming normal activities. The primary caregivers noted disturbances in mental and physical-related aspects of their daily lives while providing care for patients.
Discussion:
Patients may take longer to recover from outpatient surgery than previously recognized. Postdischarge pain may be an important symptom that delays patient recovery after outpatient surgery. Informal caregiving after outpatient surgery may be an unrecognized physical and psychological burden and may have a significant societal impact.
ATTACHED FILES
Reg Anesth Pain Med 2005; 30(3):A26