Patient preference for route of diclofenac

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Emergency Medicine
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Oral diclofenac is a common analgesic but may be contraindicated in some emergency department (A&E) patients.
• Alternative administration routes, such as intramuscular injection or rectal suppositories, are available for diclofenac.
• Patient preference for non-oral analgesia has not been extensively studied in the A&E setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient preference between intramuscular injection and suppository formulations of diclofenac.
• To assess patient choice for diclofenac analgesia when oral administration is not feasible in an A&E department.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was administered to patients attending the 'walking wounded' section of an A&E department.
• Participants were asked to indicate their preferred method of diclofenac administration (injection vs. suppository).
• Data on patient preferences were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of patients expressed a strong preference for intramuscular diclofenac over rectal suppositories.
• The findings highlight a clear patient inclination towards injectable analgesia in this clinical scenario.

Conclusions:

• Patient preference is a crucial factor when selecting non-oral diclofenac formulations in emergency care.
• Clinicians should prioritize patient wishes, offering intramuscular injections as the preferred alternative to oral medication.
• If rectal diclofenac is considered necessary, clear communication and explanation of the rationale to the patient are essential.