Pain management in complex wounds: a scoping review and analysis using comfort theory

OBJECTIVE: To map, from the perspective of Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, scientific evidence of interventions for pain management in people with complex wounds. METHODS: Scoping review conducted across seven databases and grey literature. The application Rayyan was used for material selection. Data processing was performed using the IRaMuTeQ software, employing Descending Hierarchical Classification, based on the topic sample results. RESULTS: The sample, consisting of 27 publications, comprised the text corpus. Interventions for pain management in people with complex wounds encompassed physical and psycho-spiritual dimensions of Comfort Theory, with a prevalence of ibuprofen-impregnated dressings, technologies such as virtual reality, eye tracking, and diode laser, as well as pharmacotherapies and complementary approaches, such as relaxation techniques, music therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. CONCLUSION: This review mapped interventions in pain management for complex wounds, highlighting benefits such as immediate relief, improved quality of life, and promotion of healing, in line with Kolcaba's Comfort Theory.