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Short report
Pharmacist intervention in pain management following heart surgery
  1. Danika Agius Decelis1,
  2. Maurice Zarb Adami1,
  3. Joseph Galea2,
  4. Maresca Attard-Pizzuto1,
  5. Anthony Serracino Inglott1,
  6. Lilian M Azzopardi1
  1. 1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
  2. 2Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
  1. Correspondence to Danika Agius Decelis, Joselove, Triq il-Merill, Mosta MST4611, Malta; danika-decelis{at}hotmail.com, danika.agius-decelis.08{at}um.edu.mt

Abstract

Objectives Pain is a common symptom in cardiac surgery patients. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pharmacist intervention to ease postoperative pain in cardiac surgery patients.

Methodology Patients undergoing heart surgery were randomised to control or intervention. The intervention group was given systematic verbal information and, at discharge, a pharmaceutical care plan. Pain score and diary assessment were compared up to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Results 100 patients participated. Mean Pain Score was lower in the intervention group from week 1 to 6 (p<0.05). Compliance with analgesic was higher in the intervention group.

Conclusions The intervention improved compliance and decreased pain score, illustrating the positive effect the pharmacist had on these patients.

  • Pharmacist intervention
  • Pain management
  • Pain Scores
  • Dosage Regimen Chart
  • Open Heart Surgery Patients

https://doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2014-000532

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