Patient-controlled analgesia: an evaluation

This evaluation was designed and implemented by a special task force created to study the effects of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) at our institution. Patient satisfaction, evaluation procedures and cost-containment issues were studied. Policies and procedures were established to standardize physician's orders, drug dilutions, narcotic control, documentation, and education. Eighteen patients were studied during a 6 week period. Sixteen patients expressed great satisfaction in being able to take part in controlling their pain relief. Seventeen patients expressed delight over not receiving numerous IM injections. Buprenex was used primarily in the evaluation due to its minimal effects of sedation, nausea and vomiting. An average savings of $16 per patient per day was seen for those patients receiving PCA as compared to those receiving conventional IM dosing. Reaction of the nursing staff to the PCA system was favorable. They regarded the equipment as simple to operate and documentation requirements as minimal, which resulted in tremendous time savings for them. Based on a smooth transition during the evaluation and favorable responses from both patients and staff, this evaluation led to the purchase of six PCA units at our institution.