Intervention Study to Enhance Patients' Pain Management After Cardiac Surgery

AA Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of an Intervention to Enhance Patients' Pain Management After Discharge From Cardiac Surgery

The main objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of an intervention formed as a pain booklet provided to patients at discharge from hospital following cardiac surgery.

The primary objectives are to:

1. Develop and implement a pain booklet to improve pain management after cardiac surgery
2. Evaluate the effect of the pain booklet compared to a group of patients given usual care

Inclusion Criteria:

• undergoing their first elective CABG, valve surgery or a combination
• receiving the standard preadmission information
• able to take care of themselves after discharge
• able to read and write Norwegian and fill in the questionnaires
• able to be contacted by telephone

Exclusion Criteria:

• more than 12 hours at the intensive care unit after surgery