Multimodal Pain Management in Post-operative Patients

Advisor(s)

Dr. Megan Lieb 

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Poster

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

24-4-2026 11:00 AM

End Date

24-4-2026 11:50 AM

Abstract

Problem: Postoperative pain remains a significant concern among surgical patients and directly affects recovery, mobility, and overall patient satisfaction. Opioids have traditionally been the primary method for managing postoperative pain, but their use is associated with adverse effects such as respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, sedation, and potential dependence. With ongoing concerns regarding opioid-related complications, healthcare providers are encouraged to explore alternative strategies that maintain effective pain control while reducing opioid exposure. Multimodal analgesia, which combines opioids with non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has emerged as a recommended approach. Despite increasing support for multimodal therapy, further evaluation is needed to assess its effectiveness in adult medical-surgical postoperative populations.

Aim: The purpose of this project is to determine whether multimodal pain management results in lower patient-reported pain scores within the first 72 hours postoperatively compared to opioid-only analgesia in adult patients on a medical-surgical unit.

Methods: This study will use a quantitative retrospective chart review design. Electronic health records and medication administration records will be reviewed for postoperative adult patients. Pain scores documented on the 1–10 numeric rating scale during the first 72 hours following surgery will be compared between patients receiving multimodal analgesia and those receiving opioid-only analgesia.

Conclusion: Additional unit-specific research is needed to evaluate the impact of multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain outcomes. Implementing multimodal pain management may reduce opioid reliance, minimize adverse effects, and improve overall recovery and patient outcomes.

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Apr 24th, 11:00 AM Apr 24th, 11:50 AM

Multimodal Pain Management in Post-operative Patients

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Problem: Postoperative pain remains a significant concern among surgical patients and directly affects recovery, mobility, and overall patient satisfaction. Opioids have traditionally been the primary method for managing postoperative pain, but their use is associated with adverse effects such as respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, sedation, and potential dependence. With ongoing concerns regarding opioid-related complications, healthcare providers are encouraged to explore alternative strategies that maintain effective pain control while reducing opioid exposure. Multimodal analgesia, which combines opioids with non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has emerged as a recommended approach. Despite increasing support for multimodal therapy, further evaluation is needed to assess its effectiveness in adult medical-surgical postoperative populations.

Aim: The purpose of this project is to determine whether multimodal pain management results in lower patient-reported pain scores within the first 72 hours postoperatively compared to opioid-only analgesia in adult patients on a medical-surgical unit.

Methods: This study will use a quantitative retrospective chart review design. Electronic health records and medication administration records will be reviewed for postoperative adult patients. Pain scores documented on the 1–10 numeric rating scale during the first 72 hours following surgery will be compared between patients receiving multimodal analgesia and those receiving opioid-only analgesia.

Conclusion: Additional unit-specific research is needed to evaluate the impact of multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain outcomes. Implementing multimodal pain management may reduce opioid reliance, minimize adverse effects, and improve overall recovery and patient outcomes.