Aim

The aim of this study is an assessment of nurses’ knowledge of post-operative pain management by patients after orthopaedic surgeries as part of patient safety.

Material and methods

In this study a diagnostic questionnaire has been utilised. The study surveyed 180 in-patients of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Department of the Voivodeship Policlinic Hospital in Plock after surgeries both scheduled and traumatic. 51% of the group were women.

Results

The data obtained from the analysis establishes that multidimensional nursing care minimizes post-operative pain thus accelerating the healing process. It also shows that it is still necessary to carry out pre- and post-diploma training on pain prevention in hospitalized patients. A questionnaire survey of 180 patients at the Trauma and Orthopaedic Unit in Plock was carried out to determine patients' perceptions of nursing care in the following areas: overall satisfaction with care, availability of analgesics, provision of information about pain before and after surgery, and ongoing assessment of the patient's pain intensity after surgery.

Conclusions

Postoperative pain prolongs the healing process; education undertaken by nurses before surgery has an important role in postoperative pain. The role of the nurse should be to teach patients about pain control using tools such as NRS and VAS before surgery, taking into considerations patient’s age and education. Regular administration of pain medication improves the patient's quality of life.