Development of a Patient-Centered Assessment Tool for Pain During Cesarean Delivery

Pain During Cesarean Delivery: a Patient-Centered Assessment Tool Developed With Mixed Methods

This study aims to develop a standardized tool to assess intraoperative pain during cesarean delivery under neuroaxial anesthesia. The tool will draw on existing scientific literature, expert clinical opinion and the experiences of patients who have recently undergone caesarean delivery. Experts from multiple disciplines will participate in a structured consensus process (Delphi process) to identify and refine key assessment items. Patient interviews will be conducted to ensure that the tool reflects patient priorities and experiences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed informed consent
• Age > 18 years
• Proficient in German or Swiss German
• Category 2-4 Cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia within last 48-72 hours
• Delivery of an healthy infant of at least 35+1 weeks of gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known fetal abnormalities or neonatal death
• Admission of the neonate to the ICU
• Severe postpartum hemorrhage of >1000ml blood loss
• Preeclampsia
• Current psychiatric disease, e.g. schizophrenia, personality disorders
• Substance abuse
• Chronic pain disease