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

PurposeThe purpose was to understand the processes Hispanic parents undergo in managing postoperative care of children after routine surgical procedures. Design and MethodsSixty parents of children undergoing outpatient surgery were interviewed. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. ResultsParents 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 ImplicationsAddressing cultural factors related to pain management in underserved families may instill greater confidence in managing pain.