title: Use of patient controlled analgesia in postoperative cardiac surgical patients--a survey of ward staff attitudes.
abstract: Staff who worked regularly on a postoperative cardiac surgical ward were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the use of patient controlled analgesia, which had recently been introduced to the ward. Fifty-five per cent found that the machines reduced their workload, mainly by relieving them of the task of checking and administering controlled drugs. The benefits noted were increased patient confidence (noted by 74%) and improved analgesia (41%). However it was felt by 61% that some postoperative cardiac patients seemed reluctant to use the machines properly or did not fully understand the technique.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Aitken
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Kenny
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012646:Self Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics