Pain assessment of liver cancer patients after hepatectomy: a best practice implementation project
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Patients with liver cancer experience varying degrees of post-operative pain (POP) after hepatic resection, which adversely affects their quality of life, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction. POP assessment, the first step in POP management, is often inadequate. OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to implement best practices for POP assessment in the General Surgery department of a hospital in China. METHODS: Using the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, we conducted a non-concurrent control study. A baseline audit evaluated adherence to evidence-based practices. Then, a barriers analysis was conducted, and a follow-up audit was performed after the implementation of strategies. Patient outcomes as well as nurses' knowledge and attitudes were also evaluated at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline compliance with best practices was low. However, after implementation, significant improvements were observed: a multidisciplinary team was established; nurse training coverage increased from 40% to 100% ( p < 0.001); regular rest POP assessment rose from 0% to 66.67% ( p < 0.001); twice daily POP assessment during activity increased from 0% to 80% ( p < 0.001); provision of pre-operative pain diary instruction and patient use of pain diary increased from 0% to 70% and 60%, respectively (both p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with POP management and education significantly increased ( p < 0.001), as did patients' pain-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (all p < 0.001). Nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward POP assessment also improved significantly ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of multifaceted, evidence-based strategies substantially improved POP assessment practices in patients after hepatectomy, demonstrating the effectiveness of a systematic approach for quality improvement in POP management. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A492.
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7119467655