Patient Experience Of Pain Research Articles

Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Venipuncture Decreases the Procedure's Pain and Positively Impacts Patient's Experience: The PRECISE Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to compare patients' experience of pain during ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral venipuncture versus conventional peripheral venipuncture. This randomized clinical trial was conducted at a public university hospital in 2021. Adult patients with indication for intravenous therapy compatible with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) were included: intervention group (IG), US peripheral venipuncture executed by specialist nurses; control group (CG), conventional peripheral venipuncture executed by clinical practice nurses. The primary outcome was patient experience of pain during the procedure and patient experience related to the PIVC placement method. Sixty-four patients were included, 32 for each group. The pain experienced was none-to-mild in the IG for 25 patients (78.1%) and moderate-to-severe in the CG for 21 patients (65.7%; P < .001). The overall pain rating was 2 (1-3) in the IG and 4 (3-6) in the CG (P < .001). The recommendation of the procedure in IG (net promoter score [NPS] + 90.6%) versus CG (NPS + 18.8%) was considered excellent and good, respectively (P < .001). Patients had less pain and significantly recommended the US-guided procedure. Patient experience with US-guided PIVC, performed by a specialist nurse, was superior to that of conventional peripheral venipuncture.

Exploring Patient Pain Experiences during and after Conventional Red Light and Simulated Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis: A Qualitative Interview Study.

Simulated daylight photodynamic therapy is a relatively new and potentially less painful alternative to conventional red light photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis. Qualitative research exploring patient experiences of pain and skin reactions during these treatments is scarce. To address this, semi-structured interviews were conducted of 10 patients aged 60-81 years with symmetrically distributed actinic keratoses 4 weeks after split-face treatment with conventional red light photodynamic therapy and simulated daylight photodynamic therapy. The participants were recruited from an ongoing clinical randomized trial. Interviews (median length 35 min) were conducted between June 2022 and January 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed qualitatively using content analysis, as described by Graneheim and Lundman. Participants reported that conventional red light photodynamic therapy was very painful during illumination and transiently painful in the post-treatment period, while simulated daylight photodynamic therapy was almost painless during illumination and led to minor post-treatment pain. Also, skin reactions were more intense and longer-lasting with conventional red light photodynamic therapy than with simulated daylight photodynamic therapy. Most participants expressed a treatment preference for simulated daylight photodynamic therapy but had reservations about its unestablished long-term effectiveness. This study underscores the considerable pain associated with conventional red light photodynamic therapy, and the pivotal importance of shared decision-making when selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Patient experience of pain during vaginal pessary removal and insertion: a service evaluation study.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem affecting women, but there is currently a lack of research focusing on patient experience of pessary changes. This study was aimed at capturing the patient perspective of pessary changes and formally assessing pain during pessary removal and insertion. A service evaluation request was granted by South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust. Patients undergoing pessary change (ring, shelf, or Gellhorn) in gynaecology outpatient clinics over a 6-month period were asked to rate their pain scores on a ten-point numerical pain-rating scale. Other associated data were collected. Out of 213 women, 58.2% reported that pessary removal was more painful than insertion, 30.5% reported equal pain, and 10.8% reported that insertion was more painful than removal. Pain scores were significantly higher for removal (mean 4.37, median 4, IQR 4-7) than for insertion (mean 2.66, median 2, IQR 2-4, p <0.001). Ring pessaries were significantly less painful to both remove and insert than shelf and Gellhorn pessaries. Smaller pessaries were more painful to both remove and insert. There was no significant difference in pain scores reported by those with or without diagnosed vulval conditions. Pessary removal causes most women moderate pain, which should be communicated to patients beforehand. Ring pessaries are significantly less painful to change than other pessary types. Clinicians should consider pain as a factor in their decision-making surrounding pessary choice and when counselling patients. Future research should focus on ways to reduce pain during pessary removal.

SP7.11 Preliminary results from the TACKoMesh RCT; comparing the patient experience of pain following elective laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with ‘Protack™ versus Reliatack™’, IPOM and sutured fascial closure

AimsProvide a report on all patients who underwent laparoscopic incisional hernia repair as part of the TACKoMesh RCT prior to unblinding of treatment arms.MethodsTrial recruitment was for primary incisional hernia with a defect diameter of 3–10cm. 63 patients (target 74–136) were operated on prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Post-operative pain is the primary trial outcome.Surgery was performed with spiral-tack mesh-fixation devices (Protack™ (permanent) or Reliatack™ (absorbable)), Symbotex™ IPOM mesh, and sutured fascial closure using extracorporeal knot ties.Data was collected on trial forms and lifestyle questionnaires (SF-36 and CCS). All data were explored and described in RStudio v1.4.1106.ResultsPatients were aged 36–80 and 57.1% male. Mean preoperative BMI was 30.91.Mean operating time was 81minutes. In 20.6% patients multiple hernia defects were identified. A good degree of fascial closure was achieved in all patients using a median 3 knots.Median mesh-fixation time was 286seconds and a mean of 25 tacks/patient were used. Median length of hospital stay was 3.5days.Patients were asked “Please indicate on this scale [VAS 0–10] the pain that you currently experience from your incisional hernia during activity?”. Median responses for Day0/pre-op, Day1, Day6, Day30 and Day365 were 4.5, 8.0, 6.0, 3.0 and 1.5 respectively.At one year, 11% patients had experienced hernia recurrence and 52% a post-operative seroma.ConclusionsTarget recruitment was not possible owing to COVID-19. This technique has comparable recurrence rates. Reported pain increases post-operatively but is reduced at post-operative day30 and day365.

Advancing Nursing Science Through Site-Based Clinical Inquiry: Designing Problem Pyramids.

Advancing Nursing Science Through Site-Based Clinical Inquiry: Designing Problem Pyramids.

Levels of Medical Intervention and End-of-Life Practices in Long-Term Care Centres.

BackgroundLevels of medical intervention (LMI) are legal documents in which physicians record patient preferences, or those of their designated substitute decision-makers, concerning end-of-life care. Studies suggest that, although LMI are intended to orient clinical practice, their function tends to be limited to logistical aspects of care. How LMI shapes or guides patient-centred, end-of-life care remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine possible associations between LMI and certain aspects of end-of-life care practices in LTCC, such as nurse-documented patient experiences of pain, and prescription and administration of medication.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study of 100 files retrieved from a clinical database of deceased patients in LTCCs located in an urban integrated health and social service organization in Québec, Canada, was conducted.ResultsSignificant associations between last documented LMI and frequency of narcotic prescription and administration, at either regular intervals or PRN, are highlighted. The time delay between last LMI assessment and patient death was one week or less for 39.4% of cases.ConclusionThese results suggest that LMI assessment practices may not correspond to their intended use. A short time frame between last LMI (L-LMI) assessment and patient death may suggest less-than-optimal patient comfort in end-of-life care.

POSB391 Patient-Perceived Burden of Pain in Uterine Fibroids: Results from a Prospective Real-World Evidence Study in the USA

Uterine fibroids (UF) affect up to 70% of women by the age of 50, with 20-50% experiencing clinical symptoms impacting daily life; heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and pain are the most frequently experienced symptoms. Limited evidence exists on the patient experience of pain in UF from longitudinal real-world studies.

Abstract 9346: Results of a Randomized Study to Understand the Patient Experience of Pain and Satisfaction During Cardiac Catheterization Using an Interval of Time

Background: Research on the patient experience during cardiac catheterization is lacking. Opportunity exists to improve the delivery of procedural sedation to positively impact patient’s report of pain, comfort and satisfaction. We aim to evaluate if the time interval between procedural sedation and subcutaneous lidocaine influences patient experience. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled study to determine the effect of 2 time intervals ( &lt; 6 minutes vs &gt; 7 minutes) on 1) total medication dosage, 2) patient-reported and observed pain and 3) patient satisfaction in 175 adults undergoing elective, outpatient cardiac cath from December 2020 to April 2021. Patient reported pain and satisfaction were assessed using the Procedural Sedation Assessment Survey. Observed pain was assessed using the Behavioral Pain Assessment Tool. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of time interval on total medication dose, pain and satisfaction. Results: Of 175 patients randomized, 9 were excluded and 5 withdrew. In the final sample (n=161), the mean age was 62 (SD 13.4), a majority were male (106, 66%), white (117, 74%), with a mean BMI of 28.5 (SD 5.6). Total procedural sedation did not differ between groups. Likewise, patient-reported pain and satisfaction and observed measures of pain did not differ, even after adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI, fellow involvement, vascular access and procedure type. A 3-way interaction was found between procedure type, group assignment, and reported pain during the procedure (p=0.03). Patients undergoing PCI, with intervals &lt; 6 minutes self-reported more intra-procedural pain, despite post hoc analysis showing patients undergoing PCI had higher total medication dosages of both fentanyl and midazolam (p&lt;0.001 &amp; p&lt;0.001) in both groups. Conclusions: No differences were found between groups related to total medication dose, pain or satisfaction regardless of timing between sedation and lidocaine. However, the findings suggest that longer intervals may reduce reported pain among patients undergoing PCI. Further investigation of sedation timing during PCI is needed to potentially improve the patient experience.

The Clinical Efficacy of EMLA as a Topical Anesthetic Agent Instead of Palatal Injection During Maxillary Dental Extractions: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Even after the invention of the modern injection techniques, palatal injection still remains a painful experience for patients, and this pain is attributed to the presence of rich nerve complement and displacement of tightly adherent palatal mucosa during anesthesia. To check the clinical efficacy of EMLA as a topical anesthetic agent instead of palatal injection during maxillary dental extractions. The trial includes a total of 102 participants, in whom maxillary molar extractions were indicated, were randomly divided into the experimental group (eutectic mixture of local anesthesia (EMLA) topical application was used along with buccal injection) and control group (palatal injection along with buccal injection). Pain perception during extraction was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS). Mean VAS score for 'injection' in control group patients was 5.2 ± 2.08 in contrast to no pain in experimental group. In experimental group, mean VAS score on 'probing' was 0.92 ± 1.50. VAS score on 'extraction' in EMLA group was little higher though the difference was not statistically significant. The overall experience using Liekert's scale was higher in experimental group (4.0 ± 0.76) as compared to (3.3 ± 0.82) in control group leading to higher overall satisfaction among patients who underwent extraction in the experimental group. EMLA application produced a satisfactory level of anesthesia in the palatal tissue when compared with the palatal injection.

Qualitative and psychometric approaches to evaluate the PROMIS pain interference and sleep disturbance item banks for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly experience pain despite the availability of disease-modifying treatments. Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in RA, with pain often a contributing factor. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks were initially developed to provide insights into the patient experience of pain and sleep, respectively, though they were not specifically intended for use in RA populations. This study evaluated the content validity of the PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks in RA and identified relevant content for short forms for patients with RA that achieved high measurement precision across a broad range of health.MethodsA qualitative approach consisting of hybrid concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews was used to evaluate the content validity of the item banks in RA. Interviews were semi-structured and open-ended, allowing a range of concepts and responses to be captured. Findings from the qualitative interviews were used to select the most relevant items for the short forms, and psychometric evaluation, using existing item-response theory (IRT) item parameters, was used to evaluate the marginal reliability and measurement precision of the short forms across the range of the latent variables (i.e. pain interference and sleep disturbance).ResultsThirty-two participants were interviewed. Participants reported that RA-related pain and sleep disturbances have substantial impacts on their daily lives, particularly with physical functioning. The PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks were easy to understand and mostly relevant to their RA experiences, and the 7-day recall period was deemed appropriate. Qualitative and IRT-based approaches identified short forms for Pain Interference (11 items) and Sleep Disturbance (7 items) that had high relevance and measurement precision, with good coverage of the concepts identified by participants during concept elicitation.ConclusionPain and sleep disturbances affect many aspects of daily life in patients with RA and should be considered when novel treatments are developed. This study supports the use of the PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks in RA, and the short forms developed herein have the potential to be used in clinical studies of RA.

Comparison of the buccal injection versus buccal and palatal injection for extraction of permanent maxillary posterior teeth using 4% articaine: a split mouth study

In spite of the development of modern injection techniques, palatal injection is still a painful experience for patients. A plethora of techniques has been tested to reduce this. One such technique that has been claimed to work is administering articaine on the buccal side alone for the extraction of maxillary teeth due to its ability to diffuse through soft and hard tissues more reliably than other local anaesthetics. This split mouth study evaluated the efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100000 adrenaline to avoid the painful palatal injection for bilateral permanent maxillary tooth extraction in 50 patients. The 100mm 10 point Visual Analog Scale/Wong Baker Facial Pain Scale was used to rate the amount of pain felt on injection, on probing the tissues prior to, or during, extraction, and one hour postoperatively. Although the buccal injection alone resulted in lower pain while injecting the anaesthetic, it did not result in the absence of pain before tooth extraction as has been suggested by various studies. A total of 74% patients required a palatal injection on the study side. We conclude that in most cases, when using a buccal injection alone, one cannot rely on the diffusion of articaine for effective palatal anaesthesia. Despite this, we suggest that as an initial option in young patients, the operator can consider avoiding the painful palatal injection by the use of articaine to prevent aversion to dental treatment. Postoperatively, the difference in pain levels was not statistically significant and no patient showed signs of lesions at the injection sites.

Patients' perspectives of pain in dialysis: systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Pain is a severe and common symptom in patients receiving dialysis but remains inadequately managed in clinical practice. Understanding patient experiences of pain can inform strategies to address this patient-important symptom. We aimed to describe patients' perspectives on causes, experiences, and impacts of dialysis-associated pain. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched to August 2019 for all qualitative studies that described the perspectives of pain in adults aged 18 years or older receiving dialysis. Findings from the primary studies were analyzed using thematic synthesis. We included 60 studies across 14 countries involving 1343 participants (1215 receiving hemodialysis and 128 receiving peritoneal dialysis), and identified 6 themes: gripped by an all-consuming agony (draining cognitive capacity, exacerbating other symptoms); suffering in silence (surrendering to the inevitable, ignored or dismissed, hiding symptoms to protect others); provoking fear of treatment (resistance to cannulation, avoiding dialysis, anxious from witnessing other patients in pain); preventing life participation (preventing fulfilment of valued roles, depleting the will to live); coping aided by connection with others (shared understanding among patients, comforted and supported by others); and developing awareness, assertiveness, and self-reliance (procedural vigilance, finding strategies to minimize pain, bodily understanding and knowing thresholds, positive thinking). Struggling with pain in dialysis involved a progression of agony, fear, avoidance, and despair. However, support from others and self-management strategies were used to cope with pain. Strategies to empower patients to report and minimize pain and its consequences in dialysis are needed.

Exploring the burden of X-linked hypophosphatemia: a European multi-country qualitative study

IntroductionX-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare, lifelong, progressive disease characterised by renal phosphate wasting and abnormal bone mineralisation. Symptoms begin in early childhood, with the development of rickets and related skeletal deformities and reduced growth, progressing to long-term complications, including pseudofractures and fractures, as well as pain, stiffness and fatigue. The present study was designed to explore the patient experience of pain, stiffness and fatigue and the psychosocial impact of XLH in detail.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in the United Kingdom (18), Finland (6), France (4), Germany (1) and Luxembourg (1) with XLH patients aged 26 and over. Interview discussion guides were developed in consultation with clinical experts and patient associations. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants (N = 30) described pain, stiffness and fatigue as frequently experienced symptoms with a significant impact on physical functioning and activities of daily living (ADLs). Some also described the symptoms as impacting their mood/mental health, relationships, social life and leisure activities. Participants described how common symptoms could interact or aggravate other symptoms. Symptoms had often worsened over time, and for many, were associated with concern about the future. Most participants were worried or felt guilty about having children with XLH. The findings confirmed and extended the existing model of the burden of XLH.ConclusionThe present study is the first to provide an in-depth analysis of pain, stiffness and fatigue, their impact and the interrelatedness of these symptoms among adults with XLH. The study also described the psychosocial impact of XLH as a hereditary, lifelong progressive disease.

Spray and stretch technique and its effects on mouth opening

Statement of problemMandibular mouth opening through passive stretching may be an awkward and painful experience for patients with orofacial pain. Whether a spray technique would reduce such discomfort is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to determine whether the use of a spray technique would be an effective method of increasing maximal mouth opening (MMO) without passive stretching to avoid patient discomfort. Material and methodsA sample of 61 participants, 33 men and 28 women, without orofacial pain was selected from a general dental office, and a sample of 60 participants, 30 men and 30 women, was selected from a cohort of over 750 patients with orofacial pain from an oral surgery department. The presence of orofacial pain in the patient group was verified and recorded by means of palpation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and masticatory, neck, and shoulder muscles. All participants in the study were instructed to open their mouth maximally to permit insertion of a TMJ equilateral triangle and the measurement of their MMO twice. Then, the participants were informed that a vapocoolant would be sprayed twice on both cheeks from the mandibular angle to the temple area. After spraying, the participants were requested to open their mouth maximally, and again the interincisal distance was measured twice. For analysis of the variables, a 2-way ANOVA was used with estimates for group effects and a correction for sex. A covariance model was used to test the effect of age (α=.05). ResultsTesting for age revealed an effect for both study groups (P=.032), but not for sex (P=.074). Testing baseline values of maximal mouth opening for the studied groups revealed no significant difference (P=.175), although for sex, it did (P=.008). The relative gain as a percentage of increase in mouth opening led to similar results, comparable with the values of the absolute increase in magnitude (P<.001 for the study groups and P=.090 for sex). Testing the effect of age in a covariance model did not lead to a significant result (P=.73). ConclusionsThe spray and stretch technique increased maximal mouth opening in most participants, more so in participants with orofacial pain than in the control group and more in women than in men. Pain from passive stretching can be prevented.

Understanding the patient experience of pain and discomfort during cardiac catheterization.

Patient centeredness is an essential component of high-quality care, yet little is known regarding the patient experience during procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. Available literature focuses on the safe delivery of sedation, but does not address patient-reported satisfaction or comfort. Further delineation of how procedural factors impact the patient experience is needed. We conducted a retrospective, exploratory analysis of adult cardiac catheterization outpatients (n = 375) receiving physician ordered, nurse administered procedural sedation (benzodiazepine and/or opioids) between April and June, 2017. Data were abstracted from the procedural database, Electronic Health Record, and Press Ganey© surveys. The mean age was 63 (SD 12.2), a majority were male (n = 226; 60%), white (n = 271; 73%), and overweight (mean body mass index = 29, SD 6.8). Patient-reported satisfaction with pain control and perceived staff concern for comfort were >75th percentile (Press Ganey© survey), with no difference in preprocedure and postprocedure pain scores (p = .596). Intraprocedural medication dose range and mean frequency were highly variable: midazolam (0.25-5.5 mg; 1.48); fentanyl (12.5-200 mcg; 1.63); and hydromorphone (0.5-2.5 mg; 1.33). Median time interval between administration of initial sedation and local anesthetic was 6 min. Patients with longer intervals had less frequent dosing (p < .001) and less total procedural sedation (p < .001). Sensitivity analysis revealed that trainee/fellow involvement (p = .001), younger age (p = .002), and shorter time intervals (p < .001) were associated with increased frequency and larger total dose. Waiting to gain vascular access following administration of procedural was associated with less frequent subsequent dosing, lower overall administration, and similar patient satisfaction. Optimizing processes for administering periprocedural sedation may allow for less medication without impacting patient experience.

A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Patient Experiences of Pain Before and After Spine Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to describe the preoperative and postoperative experiences of spine surgery from the patient's perspective to help inform behavioral health services provided before, during, and after hospitalization. Single urban academic tertiary care hospital. Semistructured interviews with 14 adults who underwent spine surgery. Interview transcriptions were analyzed using content analysis by three investigators to identify emergent themes. Three broad domains with associated themes emerged from the analysis: 1) preoperative experience-preparation, worries, and expectations; 2) recovery process-activity and pain management strategies; and 3) postoperative support in recovery-family and social support. The results of this qualitative descriptive study can be used to guide future perioperative behavioral health services for patients undergoing spinal surgery. Establishing realistic expectations of spine surgery and a comprehensive pain management plan are essential for adequate preoperative preparation. Furthermore, family involvement in the preoperative preparation for surgery is important for support of the patient during the recovery process.

Abstract 249: Understanding the Patient Experience of Pain and Discomfort During Cardiac Catheterization

Background: Patient centeredness is an essential component of high-quality care, yet little is published regarding the patient experience during procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. Available literature focuses on the safe delivery of sedation, but does not address patient-reported satisfaction, comfort, or procedural experience. Further delineation of how procedural factors impact the patient experience is needed. Methods and Results: We conducted a retrospective, exploratory analysis of adult cardiac catheterization outpatients receiving nurse-administered, physician-prescribed procedural sedation (benzodiazepine and/or opioids) between April-June, 2017. Data were abstracted from the procedural database, EHR and Press Ganey© surveys. Patients (n=375) had a mean age of 63, were male 60% (226/375), White 73% (271/375), and overweight / obese (mean BMI = 29). Procedural sedation was given in 93% (348/375) of cases. Press Ganey© results showed good satisfaction with pain control (&gt;75 th percentile) and staff concern for comfort in all patients. There was no significant difference in pre- and post-procedural patient reported pain scores. The median patient received 1.63 doses of midazolam with either 1.48 doses of fentanyl or 1.33 doses of hydromorphone. Median time interval between administration of initial sedative dose and local anesthetic was 6.2 minutes. Patients with longer intervals had less frequent dosing (p&lt;0.001) and less total procedural sedation (p&lt;0.001). Adjusting for demographic and procedural characteristics, trainee involvement (p=0.001), older age (p=0.002) and longer time intervals (p=&lt;0.001) between dosing and local anesthetic were associated with decreased frequency and total dose. Conclusions: Extended duration of sedation intervals was associated with lower overall sedation administration with similar patient satisfaction. Optimizing processes for administering peri-procedural sedation may allow for less total medication without impacting patient experience.

Anesthesia for removal of external fixation with hydroxyapatite-coated half pins

Background: External fixation utilizing hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated half pins has produced excellent clinical results revolutionizing the field of limb lengthening and deformity correction surgery. Removal of these pins is a painful patient experience that may be best conducted under anesthesia. Purpose: The current study documents how a deformity practice removes these external fixators (frames) under anesthesia. We asked: (1) How much anesthesia is needed for frame removal? (2) How effective was this protocol in controlling patient pain? (3) How did patients taking narcotic medications at the time of frame removal differ from those not taking narcotics during frame removal surgery? Patients and Methods: We prospectively recorded data during the removal of 53 consecutive external fixators that used HA-coated half pins including the use of pre operative narcotics at the time of frame removal, location and complexity of frames, type and dosages of medications administered, and adequacy of anesthesia. Results: All patients were managed with a combination of midazolam, propofol, fentanyl, and ketamine. Anesthesia was graded as good to excellent in 91% and unsatisfactory to poor in 9% of cases. The preoperatively medicated group was administered significantly less fentanyl (P = 0.020) and had significantly more frames located about the ankle and foot (P = 0.049) than the preoperatively non-medicated cohort. Conclusions: IV sedation administered by an anesthesiologist in the operating room provided adequate pain control to perform fixator removal and pin site debridement in most cases. External fixation used for foot and ankle reconstruction may provide a more painful experience for patients.

Patient Experiences of Loneliness: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis.

Loneliness is a painful experience for patients. To clarity the concept of patient loneliness, this study undertook an evolutionary concept analysis based on a literature search in the main relevant databases. We identified 7 dimensions in adult patients' experiences of loneliness. These dimensions of loneliness have different causes and theoretical foundations, which have different implications for patient care. Patients may be lonely in their different relationships, including those with nurses and doctors. Loneliness in relation to health care professionals is a new application of the concept of loneliness that provides a useful starting point for future research.

The correlation between pain perception among patients with six different orthodontic archwires and the degree of dental crowding

Forces generated in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances create tension and compression zones in the periodontal ligament resulting in a painful experience for patients. In the first phase of orthodontic treatment, when leveling of teeth is needed, nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires can be completely engaged in brackets, even in the cases of extreme crowding, exerting small forces. There is a great individual variation in the pain perception related to the application of orthodontic forces. The aim of this study was to investigate the pain perception among patients with dental crowding after insertion of six different NiTi orthodontic archwires as a part of fixed appliances in the first stage of orthodontic treatment. The study was conducted on a sample of 189 orthodontic patients receiving one of six different either superelastic or heat activated NiTi archwires, in the first phase of orthodontic treatment. Pain perception was evaluated in groups of patients with different degree of crowding. The modified McGill Pain Questionnaire with Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate the quality and intensity of pain. Statistical analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics, and Pearson's chi-square test with statistical significance of p<0.05. Majority of patients reported pain as discomfort or pressure of moderate intensity caused by chewing or biting, started within 12 hours, carried on for 3-4 days, and decreased over time without self-medication. No correlation was found between pain perception among patients with different types of NiTi archwires and the degree of crowdinq.