Impact of Nurse-Led Pain Management Protocols on Post-Operative Recovery Outcomes at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Background: Inadequate post-operative pain management prolongs recovery, increases complication risk, and reduces patient satisfaction. Evidence-based nurse-led pain protocols represent an effective but underutilised intervention in Nigerian surgical nursing. Aim: This study evaluated the impact of a nurse-led pain management protocol on post-operative recovery outcomes at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental design compared 90 elective surgical patients managed with a structured nurse-led pain protocol against 90 controls receiving standard care. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale at 6, 24, and 48 hours. Recovery indicators including ambulation time, length of stay, and complication rates were tracked. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Results: The protocol group had significantly lower pain scores at all measurement points. Mean time to first ambulation was 14 hours shorter in the protocol group. Length of stay was reduced by 1.8 days on average. Complication rates were 22% lower among protocol patients. Conclusion: Nurse-led pain management protocols substantially improve post-operative recovery. Nigerian surgical units should implement standardised pain assessment and management protocols underpinned by adequate analgesic availability and nurse training. Keywords: pain management, post-operative recovery, nurse-led protocols, Ilorin, surgical nursing.