title: Pre-operative information and patient-controlled analgesia: much ado about nothing.
abstract: We examined whether pre-operative information benefited patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after major surgery. We investigated whether patients felt better informed about PCA and also whether pre-operative information altered the use of PCA, the adequacy of pain relief, worries about addiction and safety, and knowledge of side-effects. We investigated the effectiveness of information provided in two ways, namely by a patient-determined leaflet or an interview by a trained nurse from the pain team, compared with routine pre-operative information. We studied 225 patients, 75 in each group. Patients in the leaflet group were better informed about PCA, became familiar with using PCA more quickly and were less confused about PCA than the control group. However, there were no effects on pain relief, worries about addiction and safety, and knowledge of side effects. The pre-operative interview resulted in no benefits. Our findings indicate that the detailed provision of pre-operative information failed to improve patients' experiences of PCA.
authors.affiliation: Directorate of Surgery and Anaesthesia, Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, UK.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Chumbley
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salmon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine