Development of a Nursing Model Affecting the Effectiveness of Pain Management in Post-Abdominal Surgery Patients

Abstract

Effective management of postoperative abdominal pain is crucial for patient recovery and the prevention of complications. Despite its significance, there is a lack of systematic guidelines for community hospitals in Thailand. This action research aims to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a nursing model specifically designed for pain management in this context. The study sample consisted of 30 patients who underwent abdominal surgery, divided into a control group (n=15) and an experimental group (n=15), along with 18 key medical personnel informants at Thong Pha Phum Hospital. The research instruments employed included a nursing model, a pain assessment form (VAS), and a group discussion guide. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Independent t-test.

Results: The research findings reveal that the developed model consists of four primary components: 1) pain assessment, 2) non-pharmacological methods, 3) promotion of patient and family participation, and 4) monitoring and reassessment. The experimental group demonstrated an average pain score (Mean = 3.82, S.D. = 2.66) within the mild range, which was significantly lower than the control group’s moderate pain score (Mean = 5.55, S.D. = 1.43) (p < .05). These results indicate that the developed nursing model is effective in reducing postoperative pain levels and is particularly well-suited for community hospital settings due to its emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches. Consequently, this model can serve as a guideline to enhance the quality of care and facilitate patient recovery.