Algorithm permits better post-surgical pain management

Thanks to an innovative new algorithm, patients who have undergone surgery can be relieved of their pain more effectively.

The tool, implanted in the medical and surgical units of Hôpital Fleurimont and Hôtel-dieu de Sherbrooke, is the result of a research project to test a multimodal analgesia algorithm in adults ( MAO-A).

A team led by Patricia Bourgault, professor-researcher at the Udes Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMSS) and the CHUS Research Center (CRCHUS) initiated the Algorithm project. Its goal was to guide professional decision-making and the judicious use of medication to relieve the pain of patients after surgery.

"An algorithm is a series of specific steps to solve a problem," explained Bourgault. “The patient first assesses his pain level using a suitable scale. The nurse then refers to the algorithm that tells her which combination of analgesic medications it would be best to give first, second and so on so that the pain is relieved or lessened in 3 out of 10 patients.

Pain treatment on several fronts

With this new tool, professionals are better able to standardize pain relief. For example, before applying the algorithm, two people with the same level of pain might be given two tablets of acetaminophen in one case and morphine in the other," says. Bourgault. “Now there is a precise framework. Pain can be treated on many fronts by combining drugs with complementary action and decreasing the use of more potent drugs and associated side effects. "

The team of specialists that assisted Bourgault included surgeon Sandeep Mayer, research professor Sylvie Lafrenaye, Nursing Senior Consultant Johanne Lapré, Research Coordinator Alex Paré and Robin-marie Coleman, CIUSSS de l’estrie-chus Deputy Director General.