The effect of short message service on the postoperative pain experience in pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a randomized control trial (Preprint)

Background: Inadequately controlled postoperative pain remains a major clinical challenge in pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Objective: This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of short message service-based educational support for postoperative pain management on patients’ pain experience. Methods: A total of 100 pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery were included in the study from December 2, 2023, to January 28, 2025. Patients in the intervention group (Group 1) received structured educational messages on postoperative pain management via short message service, whereas those in the control group (Group 2) received conventional oral education. Pain intensity and pain-related interference were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, whereas patient self-efficacy was evaluated using the Pain Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: The incidence of moderate-severe average pain was significantly decreased in Group 1 (18% vs 38%, p=0.0440) with a significantly higher patient self-efficacy score (29.3±7.5 vs 25.2±8.7, p=0.0142). Both the least (2.8±0.8 vs 3.3±0.7, p=0.0003; 2.2±0.8 vs 2.7±0.5, p=0.0006; 1.7±0.7 vs 2.2±0.4, p<0.0001, respectively) and average (3.7±0.9 vs 4.7±0.6, p<0.0001; 3.3±0.8 vs 3.6±0.5, p=0.0132; 2.5±0.8 vs 3.1±0.5, p<0.0001, respectively) pain intensities were significantly decreased in Group 1 across three consecutive postoperative days (PODs). General activity was significantly less affected in Group 1 on POD1 (4.3±1.0 vs 5.0±1.5, p=0.0038) and POD2 (3.1±0.7 vs 3.7±1.3, p=0.0089). Conclusions: The use of a short message service-based educational intervention significantly improved the postoperative pain experience of pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Further study is needed to elucidate its beneficial impact on clinical outcomes and provide insight into the potential mechanisms underlying improved pain management. Clinical Trial: The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300076554), on October 11th 2023, where the trial protocol and statistical analyses plan can be accessed.