Evaluation of a continuous epidural analgesia program for postoperative pain in children.
A continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) program was developed for pediatric patients cared for outside of a critical care environment. Stable patients can be successfully monitored in the inpatient areas provided sufficient education and support is offered to allow for safe administration, monitoring, and evaluation of patient outcomes. The CEA program was developed in collaboration with the departments of nursing, anesthesiology, and pharmacy and was introduced on a 1-year trial basis on the surgical patient service unit. A retrospective record review was conducted of patients offered CEA over the first 2 years of the program to determine the safety and efficacy of the program. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of the CEA program for surgical patients in a tertiary pediatric hospital. The safety and efficacy of the program as well as the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned are discussed.
Ellis
Jacqueline A
JA
Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada. jellis@uottawa.ca
Martelli
Brenda
B
LaMontagne
Christine
C
Splinter
William
W
D000293:Adolescent; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D009737:Nursing Records; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012119:Respiration; D014463:Ultrasonography
D010100:Oxygen