Riassunto dello studio

One hundred forty-one cognitively intact patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were randomized to receive either a simplified pain management protocol (modTP) including fentanyl TTS 12.5 mcg/hour (n=68) or a standard treatment protocol (stdTP) with multiple analgesics and rescue opioids (n=73). The primary outcome was patient-reported well-being assessed on the day following PACU discharge. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, pain intensity scores, postoperative complications, and delirium rates. Outcomes were assessed over a 24-hour postoperative PACU stay. Overall, the study revealed no significant differences in well-being, opioid consumption, or complications between the two groups. The findings suggest that while a simplified protocol does not outperform standard treatment, focusing on individualized pain management remains essential for improving patient care.