Pharmacist intervention in pain management following heart surgery

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding the pharmacist intervention in pain management following heart surgery. Introduction: Postoperative pain is the commonest complaint by cardiac surgical patients. According to Gottschalk and Smith, in the US pain is often inadequately treated and accompanies the more than 23 million surgical procedures performed each year. Unfortunately pain may persist long after tissue heals. Pain is a warning symptom that helps the individual to take protective measurements in order to prevent further damage. Pain and fear give rise to the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline via the adrenergic nervous system. Pain leads to various mechanisms reacting and effecting the patient negatively, such as cardiovascular response (tachycardia, increased possibilities of infarction), gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting). Increased risk of morbidity and mortality are also possible implications. Aims: To develop and evaluate pharmacist intervention in pain prevention and relief, in patients undergoing heart surgery.