‘A triangulated double-blinded, prospective, cohort study on patients’ perceptions of pain following forefoot surgery’

Abstract

Background: Pain catastrophizing (PC) is defined as an exaggerated negative mental set brought to bear during actual or anticipated pain experience. It has been identified as a key predictor of post-operative pain intensity and increased pain severity in the pre-operative period along with other psychological impacts attributed to pain. Pain behaviours influence patient satisfaction and there are interactive dynamics between the patient and healthcare provider relationship. Methods: A triangulated longitudinal assessment of psycho-social case profiles with 36 participants will be conducted using: (i) semi-structured interviews with life grids to capture beliefs and perceptions of the medical procedure and pain, and, (ii) quantitative validated scales to assess PC, personality, depression, anxiety, stress, coping, social support, self-efficacy, health behaviours and quality of life . A single case profile analysis will enable an in-depth personal exploration of how life events and personality profiles impact on the pain experience of individuals. The views of HCPs will be explored to gain an understanding of the decision-making process for fore-foot surgery; employing thematic-analysis. Expected results: There is currently no prior research in those patients requiring fore-foot surgery. We are interested in understanding the impact of life events on the pain experience and expect to find patients with maladaptive behaviours pre-surgery will have poorer outcomes post-surgery. Current stage of work: Submitted to IRAS with the aim commence study by May/April. Discussion: We envisage the findings may identify whether patients with psychological risk factors may benefit from pre-interventional psychosocial and behavioural treatments to optimise post-surgical pain outcome.