Estudio sobre la prevalencia del dolor en pacientes hospitalizados en el servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital Universitario de Getafe

https://doi.org/10.59156/revista.v37i01.47

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study has been to measure the prevalence of acute pain in hospitalized patients in the Neurosurgery Service of the University Hospital of Getafe, using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain. The secondary objectives have been to verify the effectiveness of compliance with the protocols for the management of pain in hospital and to determine the influence of the different variables studied in pain control in neurosurgical patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and prospective study, through the assessment of pain according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). We have considered the following intervals. Mild pain: 1-2. Moderate pain: 3-5. Intense pain: 6-8. Unbearable pain: 9-10. All patients who meet the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion who are admitted to the Neurosurgery Service of the Getafe University Hospital during the month of November 2019. Inclusion criteria: -Patient over 18 years. -Patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Service of the Getafe University Hospital during the study (November 2019). - Hospital income equal to or greater than 24 hours. Exclusion criteria: - Cognitive deterioration or other condition that prevents using the Visual Analog Scale correctly (sedation or need for postoperative intubation during periods of variable collection). - Strong psychiatric pathology. All eligible patients must be included within the stipulated period of time for data collection (November 2019). The time frame for the collection of data in all the hospital plants / units will be 1 month. The team responsible for data collection is formed by the members of the Neurosurgery Service.
RESULTS: A total of 80 patients have been studied, with 30% of patients excluded, with a moderate intensity of pain, greater in intracranial malignant pathologies, which improves throughout admission. The analgesic protocols of our Hospital have been applied in 100% of cases and no patient has come to the emergency room after discharge due to pain.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients score 3-4 on average on the VAS scale, and pain decreases throughout admission. Malignant diseases, predominantly intracranial, are associated with greater pain. Analgesia protocols are applied in 100% of patients, and are effective in pain control. The VAS scale is collected irregularly, 60%, in the Electronic Medical Record in our Hospital (HCIS).