Hispanic parents’ experiences of the process of caring for a child undergoing routine surgery: A focus on pain and pain management

PURPOSE: The purpose was to understand the processes Hispanic parents undergo in managing postoperative care of children after routine surgical procedures. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery were interviewed. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Parents experienced five subprocesses that comprised the overall process of caring for a child after routine surgery: (a) becoming informed; (b) preparing; (c) seeking reassurance; (d) communicating with one's child; and (e) making pain management decisions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Addressing cultural factors related to pain management in underserved families may instill greater confidence in managing pain.