THE EFFECT OF CONCRETE INFORMATION PROGRAM COMBINED WITH HAND REFLEXOLOGY ON POST OPERATIVE PAIN IN UROLOGICAL PATIENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effect of concrete information program combined with hand reflexology, using the concrete-objective theory of Johnson (1999). Adult patients aged 18-59 years with undergoing urological surgery were recruited from the urological ward, Rajavithi Hospital. Both control (n=22) and the experimental (n=22) groups were matched with age, sex, and surgery area. While, the control group received the conventional usual care, the experimental group received the concrete information program combined with hand reflexology. Questionnaires were composed of demographic information, Numerical Rating Scale developed by Jensen et al. (1986), and cognitive assessment of pain and pain management. The instrument for collecting data was the numerical rating scale and was test for reliability with test-retest coefficient of .82 and cognitive assessment of pain and pain management has KR-20 of .81. Descriptive and inferential (t-test) analyses were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that:

1. The mean score of pain in patients undergoing urological surgery and receiving concrete information program combined with hand reflexology was lower than that before receiving concrete program combined with hand reflexology at the significant level of .05.
2. The mean score of pain reduction in patients undergoing urological surgery who received concrete information program combined with hand reflexology was higher than that in the group of patients receiving usual care and knowledge at the significant level of .05.