Identifying areas for improvement is crucial for ensuring the best patient outcomes. Treasa Abraham, Nurse Manager at Casey Day Surgery Unit, and her dedicated team of nurses have embarked on a research project to address concerns regarding post-operative pain management after gynaecological procedures.
A routine survey conducted as part of post-operative follow-up revealed a troubling trend. While pain management plans for minor gynaecology cases were deemed adequate, a significant 70% of patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures reported dissatisfaction with their discharge pain management plan.
“Some patients even resorted to seeking further pain management from their GP or presenting to the Emergency Department,” notes Treasa.
Treasa and her team knew they could improve the experience for these patients. First, the research team aimed to understand the adherence to pain relief protocols in the Post-Acute Care Unit (PACU). Second, they targeted a reduction in failed day cases, where patients who were planned to have a day procedure have to be admitted, mainly focusing on laparoscopic gynaecology cases. Finally, they sought to identify levels of patient satisfaction related to pain management, including medications received upon discharge.
Preliminary findings underscored the inadequacy of pain management for laparoscopic gynaecology patients. The team is obtaining ethical approval to investigate this issue further. Anticipated outcomes include enhanced post-operative pain management, potential organisational changes, and improved patient experience.
This research is crucial and reflects a pressing need to address gaps in women’s health and pain management.
Across various medical domains, women often face disparities in treatment outcomes compared to their male counterparts. For instance, women are more likely to die from a heart attack and twice as likely to experience hip replacement failure, as prosthetic hips were developed for the male body. They are frequently excluded from clinical trials, leading to over-medication, and their pain is often inadequately addressed and taken seriously.
Despite the prevalence of chronic pain among women, medical research and treatment strategies frequently overlook their unique needs, perpetuating what is known as the gender pain gap.
The recent budget announcements signal recognition that change is needed and is a step in the right direction, with increased funding for women’s health conditions such as endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Longer consultations and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for specialist gynaecological care aim to bridge the gender pain gap. However, addressing systemic issues, including clinician knowledge, research inclusivity, and service improvements, remains paramount.
Nurse-led research exemplifies the potential for frontline healthcare providers to drive meaningful change. By fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry within clinical settings, nurses like Treasa Abraham and her team at Monash Health are not only improving patient care but also advancing the broader discourse on women’s health and pain management. “I’m deeply enthusiastic about supporting this team of nurses, which has organically blossomed as we’ve become more immersed in this study,” shares Treasa Abraham, reflecting on the collaborative spirit driving their efforts forward.
As champions of patient advocacy, nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that advancements in healthcare translate into tangible benefits for individuals under their care.
Treasa adds, “By promoting research within our clinical settings, we can create a constant growth and learning culture.”
“I’ve encountered numerous nurses brimming with innovative ideas, yet sometimes they hesitate to take the leap into action,” Abraham acknowledges, highlighting the importance of empowering nurses to drive change.
Treasa Abraham shared insights into the motivation behind the research, stating, “When our nurses are given the freedom to innovate and bring their ideas to life, it’s not just the patients who benefit; it’s the entire healthcare community.” Her words underscore the transformative potential of nurse-led initiatives in driving positive change within clinical settings.
Approved by Jo Morey, General Manager and Director of Nursing at Casey Hospital.
