Optimizing Nurse-Involved Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Postoperative Pain: A Scoping Review

J Clin Nurs. 2026 Jun 19. doi: 10.1111/jocn.70408. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To identify the types of non-pharmacological interventions, nurses' roles and outcome measures used for postoperative pain management in inpatients.

DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.

METHODS: Eligible studies were those involving adult surgical inpatients receiving nurse-involved non-pharmacological interventions, with outcome measures assessed using pain-assessment tools. Nurses' roles were categorized into planning, implementation and evaluation.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for studies published from January 1, 2016, to November 30, 2025.

RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included, encompassing a range of surgeries such as caesarean section, episiotomy and knee replacement. Most studies involved single-component non-pharmacological interventions (87.0%). Interventions included cold therapy, acupressure and aromatherapy, among others. Pain intensity was most commonly assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (52.2%) and the Numeric Rating Scale (34.8%). Additional outcomes included comfort, opioid use and anxiety. Nurses were involved in planning (30.4%), implementation (87.0%) and evaluation (56.5%), with only one study including all three stages.

CONCLUSION: Nurse-involved non-pharmacological interventions are adaptable across surgical contexts. Integration into routine perioperative care, supported by standardized protocols and adequate institutional resources, is recommended. Multidimensional outcome assessment may better guide pain management and recovery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: Nurses can play an active role in delivering non-pharmacological interventions throughout perioperative care. Structured training, clear role delineation and integration of evidence-based non-pharmacological strategies into clinical pathways may enhance the consistency and effectiveness of postoperative pain management.

IMPACT: This review highlights variability in non-pharmacological intervention delivery and outcome measurement while mapping the scope of nurse involvement. The findings provide a foundation for developing structured approaches to improve consistency in postoperative pain management.

REPORTING METHOD: This study adheres to the PRISMA-ScR checklist.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:42319163 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.70408