J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2016 May;23(2):184-193. 10.7739/jkafn.2016.23.2.184.

Effects of Sequential Application of Superficial Cold and Heat on Pain, Patient Satisfaction with Pain Control, Comfort Level and Subjective Response after Spine Surgery

• Kim JH
• Lhim SC
• Roh SW
• Lee SJ
• Ko YM
• Kim YO
• Shin YS

• KMID: 2164840
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2016.23.2.184

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aims of the current study were to evaluate the effects of superficial cold and heat after spine surgery on pain, satisfaction with pain control and comfort level, and to identify subjective responses and adverse effects.
METHODS
A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was utilized. The intervention group (n=36) received superficial cooling until the wound drain was removed and thereafter followed by superficial heating until discharge, while the control group (n=34) received only superficial cooling until wound drain was removed. Data were collected from August 4 to November 11 2014.
RESULTS
There was significant difference in pain according to time within groups (F=71.87, p<.001). However, we found no difference in pain between groups. The intervention group reported higher patient satisfaction with pain control (4 vs 3, z=-2.83, p=.005) and higher comfort level (5 vs 4, z=-4.12, p<.001) than the control group.
CONCLUSION
Results indicate that sequential application of superficial cold and heat is a useful method in clinical practice for management of pain after spine surgery.

Keyword

Cryotherapy; Hot temperature; Personal satisfaction; Postoperative pain; Spine

MeSH Terms

Cryotherapy
Heating
Hot Temperature*
Humans
Methods
Pain, Postoperative
Patient Satisfaction*
Personal Satisfaction
Prospective Studies
Spine*
Wounds and Injuries