Qualitative Research- Postoperative Pain Management

 

Qualitative research aims at evaluating and understanding a specific phenomenon. In this context, data collection is dependent on techniques such as observations, focus groups, and interviews (Barroga, 2022). Qualitative research deals with non-numerical data (Barroga, 2022). Examples of qualitative research designs include historical studies, phenomenology, ethnography, case studies, and grounded theory (Barroga, 2022). This paper evaluates qualitative research articles on postoperative pain management.
Type of Qualitative Research Design
Alternative non-pharmacological postoperative pain management techniques are described by Komann et al. (2019) and  Yaban (2019). The use of opioids and other pharmacological agents in postoperative pain management is discussed by Small and Laycock (2020). A case study design is used by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). Additionally, a narrative study design is used by Small and Laycock (2020).
Validity/Trustworthiness and Credibility of the Results
The results of the research articles are credible and valid. The three articles fulfill the CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose) criteria. This implies that the results are credible. The importance of techniques such as cold and hot compressions, music therapy, distraction, and exercises is described by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). The risk of dependence associated with opioids is identified by Small and Laycock (2020).
How the Participants were Chosen
The authors used predetermined inclusion criteria to select participants. 12 hospitals with the largest data sets were selected to minimize site-specific variation (Komann et al., 2019). 35 studies based on the predetermined inclusion criteria: master’s thesis, doctoral thesis, and research articles were selected by Yaban (2019). On the other hand, articles that described adult, acute hospital inpatients were chosen by Small and Laycock (2020).
How the Accuracy and Completeness of Data Were Assured
The authors used inclusion and exclusion criteria to improve the accuracy and completeness of data. The inclusion and exclusion criteria sought to minimize site-specific variation and focus on adult acute hospital inpatients (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). Additionally, it shifted to focus on master’s thesis, doctoral thesis, and research articles (Yaban, 2019).
How Plausible/Believable are the Results?
The results are believable because the articles meet the CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose) criteria. Additionally, similar findings have been reported by other authors. This increases the generalizability of the authors’ results.
Implications of the Research
The authors state the implications of their research. Firstly, non-pharmacological pain management approaches are effective but should not substitute pharmacological approaches (Komann et al., 2019). Further, nurses should be allowed to use non-pharmacological pain alleviation approaches for post-surgical patients (Yaban, 2019). Multimodal analgesic approaches should be used to avert opioid-related adverse effects (Small & Laycock, 2020).
How New Insights May Increase Sensitivity to Others’ Needs
New insights can increase sensitivity to others’ needs. An example is evidence of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in pain management (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). These approaches should be incorporated into post-surgical patients.
How Understandings May Enhance Situational Competence
Understanding will enhance situational competence. Findings on the risk of opioid-related adverse effects will promote the use of multimodal analgesia approaches (Small & Laycock, 2020). Additionally, reports of opioid-related adverse effects will make healthcare practitioners more cautious when dealing with post-operative patients.
The Effect on the Reader
Evidence provided by the articles equips the reader with pertinent knowledge regarding analgesia for postoperative patients. It makes the reader appreciate the importance of non-pharmacological approaches and opioid-related risks. By so doing, the reader can make informed evidence-based decisions during pain management for post-operative patients.
Assessing Whether the Results Are Plausible and Believable
The results are believable because the articles fulfill the CRAAP criteria and the results are generalizable. The CRAAP criteria evaluate the currency, relevance, accuracy, authority, and purpose of the articles. The articles were published within the past five years and they are consistent with the purpose of my research.
The Reader is Imaginatively Drawn to the Experience
The reader is imaginatively drawn to the experience. An example is the use of cold and hot compresses for the management of postoperative pain, as reported by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). Additionally, the reader gets to identify opioid-related adverse effects as reported by Small and Laycock (2020).
Results of the Study
The results provide insight into the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches. Non-pharmacological approaches such as cold and hot compresses, music therapy, and exercise could be used to manage postoperative pain (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). However, they are rarely used due to limited information and patient reluctance. Opioids are key in the management of moderate to severe pain (Small & Laycock, 2020). However, this may be limited by opioid-associated adverse effects that prolong hospitalization and treatment costs.
Determining Whether the Research Approach Fits the Purpose of the Study
The research approach fits the purpose of the study. The use and effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in relieving pain for post-surgical patients were explored by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). A case study approach helped to fulfill this objective. The use of opioids and other pharmacological agents in postoperative pain management was explored by Small and Laycock (2020). A narrative review enabled them to evaluate existing literature and identify relevant evidence.
How the Researcher Identifies the Study Approach
The researchers identify study approaches based on their objectives and inclusion criteria. They chose qualitative study designs because they sought to understand the impact of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches in post-operative patients. Additionally, they chose qualitative study designs because their objectives are not experimental but rather inductive.
Assessing Whether the Data Collection and Analysis Techniques Are Appropriate
The authors used appropriate data collection and analysis techniques. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select and collect data from case studies (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). The authors used numerical rating scales to analyze data. This is relevant for qualitative study designs.
The Significance/Importance of the Study
The significance of the studies is explicit. For instance, the use of non-pharmacological approaches in post-surgical patients is evaluated by Komann et al. (2019). This helps to identify the applicability of these approaches in health care. Further, the effectiveness of opioids and other analgesics in postoperative patients (Small & Laycock, 2020). By so doing, the best approaches will be selected.
Literature’s Support to a Need for the Study
The lack of sufficient evidence on the use of non-pharmacological approaches in postoperative pain management necessitates studies (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). The increased risk of opioid-associated adverse effects necessitated the study by Small and Laycock (2020). Additionally, the presence of other pain management modalities necessitated the study by Small and Laycock (2020).
The Study’s Potential Contribution
The studies help to identify the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches versus the use of opioids in managing postoperative pain. Non-pharmacological pain management approaches are not as effective as pharmacological approaches (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). However, they should be used to supplement pharmacological approaches.
Sampling: Clear and Guided by Study Needs?
The authors’ sampling criteria are based on their objectives. Accordingly, relevant inclusion and criteria are chosen to sample the target population. They are clearly stated and are harmonious with a qualitative study design.
The Researcher’s Control in the Selection of the Sample
The researchers controlled their sample selection using inclusion criteria. For example, an inclusion criterion focusing on master’s thesis, doctoral thesis, and research articles was used by Yaban (2019). An inclusion criterion that focused on adults, acute hospital inpatients, and articles published in the English language was used by Small and Laycock (2020).
The Sample Size and Composition’s Reflection of the Study Needs
The sample size and composition are harmonious with the study’s needs. A sample size of 14,767 patients, of which 6563 used non-pharmacological pain management techniques was used (Komann et al., 2019). 35 studies that described the use of non-pharmacological pain management approaches in post-operative patients were selected by Yaban (2019).
Identifying the Phenomenon (Human Experience)
The authors identified human experience. For example, patients on pharmacological pain relief regimens achieved better pain control levels than those on non-pharmacological approaches (Komann et al., 2019). About 10 percent of patients on opioids experienced adverse effects (Small & Laycock, 2020).
Clarity of the Data Collection Procedures
The authors clearly state their data collection methods. They all conducted retrospective evaluations of case studies and articles from online databases. After that, their inclusion criteria guided their section.
Determining Whether the Sources and Means of Verifying Data are Explicit
The authors stated the sources and means of verifying data. The sources of data used by the authors include online medical databases and hospital registries (Komann et al., 2019; Small & Laycock, 2020; Yaban, 2019). The authors used predetermined criteria to select relevant data from the online medical databases and hospital registries.
Explanation of the Researcher Roles and Activities
The researchers explicitly explained their roles. They described the procedure of data collection and analysis (Komann et al., 2019; Small & Laycock, 2020; Yaban, 2019). Additionally, they described their inclusion criteria and the sources of data.
Description of Data Analysis Procedures
The authors described the methods used in data analysis. IBM Statistics SPSS 22.0.0 was used to analyze data (Komann et al., 2019). However, the other two articles did not describe their analysis procedure explicitly. (Small & Laycock, 2020; Yaban, 2019).
Determining Whether the Analysis Guides Directions of Sampling
The authors’ sampling is dependent on analysis. IBM Statistics SPSS 22.0.0 was used to select the sampling criteria (Komann et al., 2019). In this context, sampling is based on age, gender, and type of surgery (Komann et al., 2019).
Description of Data Management Processes
The authors identified their data management processes. A web mask was used to record the data in a registry anonymously (Komann et al., 2019). However, the other two articles did not describe their data management explicitly (Small & Laycock, 2020; Yaban, 2019).
The Reported Results (Descriptive or Interpretation)
The authors reported both descriptive and interpretive results. Descriptive results were reported by Small and Laycock (2020). Interpretation of results was done by  Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). Descriptive results report the proportion of postoperative patients in whom opioid-related adverse effects have been reported (Small & Laycock, 2020). Interpretive results describe the impact of non-pharmacological approaches in pain management for post-operative patients (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019).
Presentation of Specific Findings
The results were presented using tables illustrative quotes, and explanations. Illustrative quotes and explanations are used to present the findings of Small and Laycock (2020). Tables and illustrative quotes depict the findings of Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019).
Evaluating Whether the Data Meanings are Derived from Data Described in Context
The data meanings are described in context. For example, the need for multimodal analgesic approaches is based on the findings that opioids are associated with adverse effects (Small & Laycock, 2020). Non-pharmacological interventions were reported to be less effective compared with pharmacological approaches after the evaluation of patients receiving both non-pharmacological pharmacological pain management approaches (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019).
Effectiveness of the Writing in Promoting Understanding
The articles are easily understood. There is a consistent and logical flow of ideas in the articles. The articles lack grammatical and spelling errors. Furthermore, the articles used easily understood medical terminologies and are jargon-free.
Significance of the Results when Caring for My Patients
The results will help me complement pharmacological approaches in pain management with non-pharmacological approaches. Additionally, they will enable me to embrace multimodal analgesic approaches to avert opioid-associated adverse effects. I will be cautious when using opioid analgesics to avert potential adverse events.
Relevance of the Results Relevant to Persons in Similar Situations
The results are relevant to people in similar situations. Healthcare providers in other facilities can use these findings to optimize pain management for postoperative patients. A multimodal analgesic approach and the use of non-pharmacological analgesic interventions will be beneficial to their practice.
Relevance of the Results to Patient Values and/or Circumstances
Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological analgesic approaches are consistent with patients’ values. A holistic care approach will be used to assess patients’ perspectives and beliefs and incorporate the best analgesic approach. Caution will be taken to avoid opioid-related adverse events by monitoring patients closely.
Application of the Results in Clinical Practice
The results demonstrate that opioid analgesics are more effective in controlling postoperative pain than non-pharmacological approaches. However, opioids are associated with adverse effects such as withdrawal symptoms and dependence. This can guide clinical practice where opioids should be substituted with multimodal analgesia techniques. These techniques can be supplemented with non-pharmacological approaches to achieve a holistic care approach.
Conclusion
Qualitative research deals with non-numerical data. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are used in the pain management of post-operative patients (Komann et al., 2019; Small & Laycock, 2020; Yaban, 2019). However, non-pharmacological approaches such as cold and hot compresses are less effective than pharmacological approaches. Opioids are effective in managing moderate to severe pain. However, they are associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects. This necessitates close patient monitoring and the use of alternative multimodal analgesic approaches.
References
Barroga, E. (2022). A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles. 37(16), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e121