A preoperative intervention for pain reduction, improved mobility, and self-efficacy

The Foster Pain Intervention (FPI) is a 24-minute videotape of a nurse showing breathing and movement skills with four postoperative mobility activities to a patient. Its preoperative use incorporates self-efficacy concepts to teach techniques that can improve postoperative pain and mobility. This study compared the effects of the FPI on postoperative pain and mobility and the relationship with self-efficacy in 70 elective hysterectomy patients. The treatment group (n = 35) received the FPI and routine information, whereas the control group (n = 35) received routine information through videotaped instruction. The treatment group had significantly less pain (p<.0001), higher observed mobility (p<.0001), and higher preoperative self-efficacy and was ready to go home sooner than the control group (p<.0001). These results suggest that the FPI enhances self-efficacy, decreases pain associated with postoperative activities, and promotes earlier independent mobilization. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.