The Effect of Perioperative Video Interventions on Postoperative Pain Control: A Systematic Review.
Adam Danielsson, Sana Asif, Alexandra Forsberg et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials of perioperative video interventions in adult surgical patients, assessing postoperative pain intensity and analgesic consumption. Forty-four trials were included, with qualitative synthesis because of substantial heterogeneity. Among 42 trials measuring pain, 11 (26%) found significantly lower pain with video interventions; among 19 assessing analgesic consumption, eight (42%) found significantly lower consumption. Only two trials reported benefit for both outcomes. Overall, the review suggests possible improvement in acute postoperative pain control, but results were inconsistent and most trials were judged at high risk of bias.
Key findings
- Of 42 trials assessing pain, 11 (26%) reported significantly lower pain in the intervention group.
- Of 19 trials measuring analgesic consumption, eight (42%) reported significantly lower consumption with video interventions.
- Only two trials showed benefit for both pain and analgesic consumption; most trials had high risk of bias.
- Twenty-six trials reported significant improvements in secondary outcomes, including anxiety, physical function, and satisfaction.
Why it matters
Perioperative videos may offer a way to support postoperative pain management, and some trials also reported improvements in anxiety, function, or satisfaction. However, the inconsistent findings and high risk of bias mean the overall evidence does not establish a reliable effect. Identifying which patients and video approaches are most likely to benefit is important before broader implementation.
What to keep in mind
Results were synthesized qualitatively because of substantial heterogeneity, and most included trials were judged to have a high risk of bias.