Opinions of Physicians and Nurses on the Postoperative Pain of Pediatric Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Aim: It is aimed to determine the opinions of physicians and nurses on the evaluation of pain in the postoperative period of pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Qualitative research method was used in the study. The study was carried out with a total of 13 physicians and nurses working voluntarily in the anesthesia and pediatric surgery clinic of Selçuk University Medical Faculty Hospital. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews through a semi-structured questionnaire in October 2022. Individual interviews were held in a suitable meeting room within the hospital with the participation of two researchers. Note-taking technique was used in the interviews and a voice recorder was used. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed by the researchers with the content analysis method. Results: Qualitative findings were determined as four main themes: thoughts about pain, beliefs about pain management, the role of health professionals in pain management, and the role of family/parent in pain management. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that pain was followed, pharmacological methods were used, non-pharmacological methods were not in the clinical routine, teamwork was important in pain management, and the family/parent were with the child.