Postsurgical Pain

A Survey to Understand Caregiver Experiences with Postsurgical Pain

Earlier this summer, Caregiver Action Network’s Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network set out to answer that question. Today, we’re releasing Ready, Set, Recover, a new report developed in partnership with Pacira Biosciences, and informed by a national survey of more than 200 caregivers and a roundtable with an additional 13 caregivers.

The findings offer a clear picture of what caregivers need to manage a loved one’s pain and recovery following surgery:

    • 78% of caregivers say they’re often expected to manage pain at home without enough support or information — 39% feel that strongly.
    • 76% named the first few days after surgery, at home, as their top concern.
    • 97% said knowing all their pain management options beforehand would matter a lot — but nearly 4 in 10 got little to no information at all.

72%

said more information ahead of time would have led them to consider a different approach to pain management.

Source: Ready, Set, Recover

When asked what would help most

Caregivers prioritized a detailed pain management plan, information on alternatives to standard pain medications, and a simple daily care checklist.

The message is straightforward: caregivers are taking on complex pain management responsibilities at home, often without a plan to guide them. They need education before surgery, a written plan for recovery, and support that continues after discharge.

Read the full Ready, Set, Recover report.