What Pain Intervention Methods Help Reduce Opioid Use and Increase Patient Satisfaction?

Abstract

Effective pain management is crucial for improving patient outcomes after surgery. Pain can hinder the healing process, negatively impact mental health, and contribute to the stress response, leading to other physical symptoms. Nurses play a key role in administering pain management orders from physicians while also providing comfort care to patients. As such, it is essential for nurses to be informed about alternative pain interventions that can reduce opioid use. This consideration prompted an examination of various pain management strategies for shoulder surgery and their potential to minimize opioid consumption. Is it possible to spare opioids for most patients? While this paper specifically focuses on shoulder surgery, the insights it provides are valuable to all nurses, as pain management remains a challenge for many patients across a wide range of conditions.