Pain management and related factors in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery at Hanoi Heart Hospital

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common birth defect, affecting approximately 0.2–1% of live births. Surgery is a primary treatment method, especially when medical or interventional approaches fail. Postoperative pain remains a significant issue, impacting both recovery and the psychological state of pediatric patients. Proper assessment and management of postoperative pain are essential components of nursing care after cardiac surgery. This study aimed to describe pain characteristics and analyze factors associated with pain management in children from 2 months to 7 years of age. Methods:This prospective descriptive study included 125 pediatric patients after cardiac surgery. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Pain was assessed using the FLACC scale at 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed to explore associations between pain levels and clinical/surgical factors. Results: All patients (100%) experienced postoperative pain. The rates of moderate and severe pain were: 66.4% and 0% at 24 hours, 13.6% and 85.6% at 36 hours, 9.6% and 90.4% at 48 hours, and 54.4% and 45.6% at 72 hours, respectively. At 72 hours post-surgery, pain levels were significantly associated with gender, physical status, type of surgery, and level of postoperative care (p < 0,05). Conclusion: Effective pain assessment and management are crucial in improving pain control and enhancing postoperative care quality in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.