Perioperative Pain Management is a practical, evidence-based guide to the effective management of perioperative pain even in the most challenging situations. It provides readers with an understanding of the physiology, pharmacology and psychology of acute pain together with key messages for best practice. Barriers to effective acute pain management are explored and suggestions for improving practices and removing obstructions are given. The psychosocial impact of acute pain and personal coping strategies are reviewed in an easy to read format. Specific sections focus on managing perioperative pain in: paediatrics; the older patient; patients with chronic painful conditions; the patient with renal dysfunction; and day case surgery.

Perioperative Pain Management will be invaluable to all nurses from undergraduate students to experienced clinical nurse specialists and lecturers as well as pharmacists, operating department practitioners, and physiotherapists .

Felicia Cox is Senior Nurse in Pain Management at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust. She is also Part-time Visiting Lecturer in Critical Care at Buckinghamshire University College and Editor of the Journal of Perioperative Practice