Effects of Pain Management Models on Postoperative Ambulation in Cardiac Surgery
Advisor(s)
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: In patients recovering from open heart surgery, postoperative pain affects many aspects of their recovery. 60% of cardiac surgery patients report moderate to severe pain within the first 48 hours of recovery. The pain experienced by patients can impact their ability to participate in early recovery interventions such as ambulation.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to examine the effect of multimodal pain management compared to a traditional opioid based approach in postoperative care for open heart patients, on early ambulation in the first 48 hours.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used. The intervention group will receive multi-modal pain management. The control group will receive traditional opioid pain management. Early ambulation within 48 hours will be measured by: time to first ambulation (hours post-extubation) distance ambulated (feet) within first 48 hours, and number of ambulation sessions completed. It is expected that participants in the intervention group will ambulate earlier and farther than those in the control group as well as complete more ambulation sessions.
Conclusion: By examining the effects of different pain management strategies used for post open heart patients, we can determine if the multimodal pain management model should be the standard of care.
Recommended Citation
Neary, Allison Nicole, "Effects of Pain Management Models on Postoperative Ambulation in Cardiac Surgery" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 43.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/43
Open Access
Available to all.
Effects of Pain Management Models on Postoperative Ambulation in Cardiac Surgery
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: In patients recovering from open heart surgery, postoperative pain affects many aspects of their recovery. 60% of cardiac surgery patients report moderate to severe pain within the first 48 hours of recovery. The pain experienced by patients can impact their ability to participate in early recovery interventions such as ambulation.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to examine the effect of multimodal pain management compared to a traditional opioid based approach in postoperative care for open heart patients, on early ambulation in the first 48 hours.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be used. The intervention group will receive multi-modal pain management. The control group will receive traditional opioid pain management. Early ambulation within 48 hours will be measured by: time to first ambulation (hours post-extubation) distance ambulated (feet) within first 48 hours, and number of ambulation sessions completed. It is expected that participants in the intervention group will ambulate earlier and farther than those in the control group as well as complete more ambulation sessions.
Conclusion: By examining the effects of different pain management strategies used for post open heart patients, we can determine if the multimodal pain management model should be the standard of care.