Background
It has been established that pain is frequently undertreated in
children following outpatient surgery. Very few studies, however, have
investigated this phenomenon in ethnically diverse populations.
Methods
This study included 105 families of children age 2–15 years
of Hispanic origin and low income undergoing outpatient tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy surgery. Participating parents completed baseline and
demographic packets. Recorded postoperative pain ratings and administration
of analgesics at home for one week were collected during home visits.
Results
Despite the high (70%, 99% CI[57%,
82%]) incidence of significant pain in the first 24 hours
home, 32% (95% CI[20%, 45%])
of the children received 0–1 dose of analgesia. Overall, 21%
children (99% CI[11%, 35%]) received
4 or less total doses of pain medication over the entire week following
surgery. Of the total analgesic doses administered to children in the week
following surgery, only 44% (99% CI[40%,
47%]) were in accepted ranges.
Conclusions
Despite experiencing significant postoperative pain, Hispanic
children assessed in this study received suboptimal analgesic therapy at
home.