BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) identify patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) attributes that negatively impact patient satisfaction and ability to control pain while using PCA and (2) obtain data on patient perceptions of new PCA design features. METHODS: We conducted a prospective survey study of postoperative pain control among patients using a PCA device. The survey was designed to evaluate patient satisfaction with pain control, understanding of PCA, difficulties using PCA, lockout-period management, and evaluation of new PCA design features. RESULTS: A total of 350 eligible patients completed the survey (91%). Patients who had difficulties using PCA were less satisfied (P < 0.001) and were more likely to feel unable to control their pain (P < 0.001). Satisfaction and self-reported ability to control pain were not affected by patient education about the PCA. Forty-nine percent of patients reported not knowing if they would receive medicine when they pushed the PCA button, and of these, 22% believed that this uncertainty made their pain worse. The majority of patients preferred the proposed PCA design features for easier use, including a light on the button, making it easier to find (57%), and a PCA button that vibrates (55%) or lights up (70%), alerting the patient that the PCA pump is able to deliver more medicine. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients, irrespective of their satisfaction with PCA, preferred a new PCA design. Certain attributes of current PCA technology may negatively impact patient experience, and modifications could potentially address these concerns and improve patient outcomes.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) identify patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) attributes that negatively impact patient satisfaction and ability to control pain while using PCA and (2) obtain data on patient perceptions of new PCA design features. METHODS: We conducted a prospective survey study of postoperative pain control among patients using a PCA device. The survey was designed to evaluate patient satisfaction with pain control, understanding of PCA, difficulties using PCA, lockout-period management, and evaluation of new PCA design features. RESULTS: A total of 350 eligible patients completed the survey (91%). Patients who had difficulties using PCA were less satisfied (P < 0.001) and were more likely to feel unable to control their pain (P < 0.001). Satisfaction and self-reported ability to control pain were not affected by patient education about the PCA. Forty-nine percent of patients reported not knowing if they would receive medicine when they pushed the PCA button, and of these, 22% believed that this uncertainty made their pain worse. The majority of patients preferred the proposed PCA design features for easier use, including a light on the button, making it easier to find (57%), and a PCA button that vibrates (55%) or lights up (70%), alerting the patient that the PCA pump is able to deliver more medicine. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients, irrespective of their satisfaction with PCA, preferred a new PCA design. Certain attributes of current PCA technology may negatively impact patient experience, and modifications could potentially address these concerns and improve patient outcomes.
Authors: Debra B Gordon; Susan M Rees; Maureen R McCausland; Teresa A Pellino; Sue Sanford-Ring; Jackie Smith-Helmenstine; Dianne M Danis Journal: Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf Date: 2008-09
Authors: Sarah Milosevic; Heather Strange; Melanie Morgan; Graeme K Ambler; David C Bosanquet; Cherry-Ann Waldron; Emma Thomas-Jones; Debbie Harris; Christopher P Twine; Lucy Brookes-Howell Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-12-01 Impact factor: 3.006
Authors: Sheng Jia Low; Stanley Sau Ching Wong; Qiu Qiu; Yvonne Lee; Timmy Chi Wing Chan; Michael G Irwin; Chi Wai Cheung Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 1.817