title: Oral patient-controlled analgesia in adolescents.
abstract: Adolescence is a time when concerns about independence and self-control are of paramount importance. These developmental issues must be considered when planning treatment for adolescents with acute or chronic pain. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of administering opioids that reinforces patient autonomy. Traditionally, opioids given by PCA are administered via the intravenous or subcutaneous route. Issues of autonomy and control, however, are no less important for patients receiving oral opioids. To augment patient autonomy, we have provided oral medication kept at the bedside (oral bedside PCA) for adolescents with diverse pain problems. We describe our selection criteria and methods for using oral bedside PCA with adolescents and present 4 patients who used this method.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Litman
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics