Variable-dose patient-controlled analgesia. A preliminary report.
One size of patient-controlled analgesia demand dose does not suit all patients after surgery. We have constructed a new patient-controlled analgesia (variable-dose patient-controlled analgesia) in which patients have a choice of demand dose sizes. In an initial trial, patients could choose between 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg morphine. Patients readily understood the system and were all 'satisfied' (n = 1) or 'very satisfied' (n = 9) with the system. Only two patients sought 'complete relief' from pain, most reported seeking 'moderate relief'. All patients obtained a 'lot of relief' or 'complete relief' with this patient-controlled analgesia system. This preliminary experience suggests that variable dose patient-controlled analgesia warrants further investigation and comparison with conventional patient-controlled analgesia.
D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
D009020:Morphine