Introducing patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain control into a district general hospital

Patient-controlled analgesia was introduced in a district general hospital in order to improve postoperative pain control. Techniques of management were developed with effectiveness, safety and practicality as the main objectives. An analysis of the first 1000 patients to use the system is presented. Problems were encountered with slow respiratory rate, monitoring, equipment function and ward management. Identification of specific hazards and management problems led to improvements in system safety. Patient-controlled analgesia has become the standard technique for postoperative pain control after major surgery in this hospital.