Ambulance nurses' experiences of pain management with Penthrox® in Swedish ambulance care: A mixed method study

Methoxyflurane (MTX) is an inhalation agent that has several potential benefits for limiting various types of pain in ambulance care.

To elucidate how ambulance nurses experience the characteristics of MTX in an ambulance care setting.

This cross-sectional study applied a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire together with complementary interviews. The questionnaire survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics (10-point Likert scale and question index values [Q-IV], range: 0-1.0). The interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Study results were reported following the STROBE statement.

The ambulance nurses' overall general satisfaction with the MTX concept had a median of 7.0 (IQR 5-8), corresponding to a mean Q-IV of 0.84 (very good experience). The qualitative part was divided into three categories: sense of security, patient participation, and general usefulness. The results revealed varying experiences of usefulness, including pain-relieving effect and the possibility of patient participation. The perceived strong odor of MTX seemed to concern the ambulance nurses and their patients.

In general, MTX was experienced as a safe and effective analgesic. However, the experiences of the overall usefulness varied, particularly since the product had a perceived strong odor. Increasing knowledge of using MTX, could likely increase the overall usefulness.