Exploring Post-Operative Pain Management Strategies to Enhance Patients’ Satisfaction after Abdominal Surgeries in Selected South-West, Nigerian Federal Teaching Hospitals

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of postoperative care quality, particularly following abdominal surgeries, which remain common in Nigerian teaching hospitals. Inadequate management of postoperative pain contributes to delayed recovery and prolonged hospital stays. Despite the high frequency of abdominal surgeries, there is limited evidence on how to improve patient satisfaction, and many patients in Federal Teaching Hospitals in South-West Nigeria continue to report suboptimal satisfaction.
Objective
The study aimed to explore post-operative pain management strategies to enhance patients’ satisfaction after abdominal surgeries in selected Federal Teaching Hospitals in South-West Nigeria
Methods
A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was used. The qualitative phase consisted of purposive interviews with twelve patients, while the quantitative phase involved 420 patients sampled from two hospitals. Data were obtained using semi-structured interviews and a validated questionnaire. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% significance level.
Results
Qualitative findings generated six themes related to pain experiences, satisfaction with pain management, coping strategies, and recommendations for improvement. Quantitatively, 88% of patients who received NSAIDs and 36% who used opioids reported higher satisfaction; although, 25% of patients remained dissatisfied due to severe postoperative pain. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between satisfaction and hospital setting (X² = 48.13), educational level (X² = 10.98), and combined pain management strategies (X² = 39.41).
Conclusion
The study concluded that multimodal pain management strategies significantly improve patients’ satisfaction after abdominal surgery. The study recommends that personalized, patient-centred and compassionate approaches to postoperative pain management to enhance recovery and overall satisfaction. Word Count: 260 words