Post Operative Management How effective are alternative ways such as hot/cold therapy relaxation/physical therapy to manage pain?

Quantitative Research Critical Appraisal

Quantitative research methods systematically investigate phenomena by collecting statistical and numerical data. These methods analyze the data using either statistical, computation, or computational techniques. Quantitative methods use structured tools to collect quantifiable data from a large population sample. They also rely on existing literature to inform their research topic.

Type of Quantitative Research Report

This quantitative research report is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials that evaluate the efficacy of perioperative psychotherapy approaches in the management of persistent pain and physical impairment after surgery (Wang et al., 2018),.

Hierarchy of Evidence

The study provides the highest level of evidence in terms of reliability and reduces the risk of bias. It utilizes systematic reviews and meta-analyses to extract and analyze the evidence presented by the randomized, controlled trials reviewed. In the hierarchy of evidence-based research designs, randomized controlled trials provide results with the highest evidence level and limited risk of bias due to high internal validity (Westreich et al., 2019). However, results from randomized controlled trials may not be directly generalizable across the target populations as there exists heterogeneity of treatment outcomes across the patient sample and subgroups.

Reasons Why the Study Was Done

This systematic review was carried out in response to the common occurrence of persevering pain after surgery and its link to psychological factors (Wang et al., 2018). The systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and controlled trials objectively evaluated the efficacy of perioperative psychotherapy in the management of pain post-surgery.

Study Steps Identification

The steps of the study, the review of studies, those involved in the review of the studies, identification of studies, data extraction, assessment of the risk of bias, and the methods used in the assessment of the quality of evidence have been clearly identified.

The Sample Size

A total of 15 randomized and controlled trials, including 2,220 patients, met the eligibility criteria for inclusion and were included in the systematic review.

The Reliability and Validity of the Measurements of Major Variables

The authors used independent reviewers to assess the selected trials for risk of bias. They used the modified Cochrane risk of bias instrument. The modified Cochrane risk of bias instrument uses response options such as yes or no to assign the level of risk of bias. The authors also assessed the randomization sequencing, how concealed the allocations were, the level of sample blinding, the involved caregivers and data analysis, and the selectiveness of reporting outcomes. They also evaluated the assessors of blinding of outcome and data collectors in all trials presented.

Data Analysis

The data was analyzed using the Stata statistical software ver. 13.1). The authors used a two-tailed comparison with a threshold of P<0.05.

Untoward Events

No untoward events were reported during the time of the study. Any disagreements among the independent reviewers were resolved through discussion and arbitration.

How the Results Fit With Previous Research in the Area

The main findings of the study note that active psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy, or a combination of both therapies, have a significant reduction of persistent pain post-surgery and physical impairment (Wang et al., 2018). It also found that education had no significant effect on persistent pain or physical function post-surgery. These results align with the findings of previous studies; for instance, studies have identified psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapies as evidence-based nonpharmacological options in the management of post-surgical pain (Tick et al., 2018; Weinrib et al., 2017).

Relevance of this Research to Clinical Practice

As post-surgical pain is common, this systematic review and meta-analysis provided sufficient evidence for the use of nonpharmacological interventions in the management of postoperative pain. It also provides directions for future research on psychotherapy for surgical patients and improving post-operative patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Based on the reviewed study paper utilizing the quantitative systematic review technique,