Pain Acceptance in Chronic Postoperative Pain: Concept Analysis

Sajini M Thekkel; Constance M Johnson; Meagan Whisenant; Deniz Dishman

doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2025.01.011

Pain Acceptance in Chronic Postoperative Pain: Concept Analysis

Pain Manag Nurs. 2025 Feb 24:S1524-9042(25)00025-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.01.011. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Sajini M Thekkel¹, Constance M Johnson², Meagan Whisenant², Deniz Dishman¹

Affiliations

¹ Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
² Department of Research, Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, TX

PMID: 40000358
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.01.011

Abstract

Purpose: Chronic postoperative pain (CPOP) is a potential outcome of otherwise successful surgery that can persist for months, with its prevalence varied by surgical type, genetic predispositions, and psychosocial factors. Pain acceptance offers better outcomes to these patient populations by fostering a willingness to experience pain without resistance. This analysis examines how pain acceptance contributes to psychological well-being, helps reduce opioid misuse, and enhances quality of life, even in the presence of CPOP.

Design: The concept analysis approach follows Walker and Avant's framework (2019).

Methods: A literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL yielded 276 articles, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria for adult-centered studies published from 2009 to 2024.

Results: Sixteen publications identified through the literature search guided the development of the concept analysis and delineated the essential attributes such as open-mindedness/receptivity, present orientation, self-acceptance, and endurance.

Conclusions: Identifying key attributes, antecedents, and consequences of pain acceptance enables healthcare providers to tailor interventions that enhance postoperative recovery in patients with the risk of CPOP.

Clinical implications: Findings from the concept analysis support future research on pain acceptance in postoperative populations, guiding healthcare practitioners on developing evidence-based interventions to improve quality of life for individuals with CPOP.

Keywords: Acceptance; Acceptance and commitment therapy; Chronic pain; Chronic postoperative pain; Chronic postsurgical pain; Persistent postsurgical pain.