Patient-controlled Analgesia: Can it be Made Safer?

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Abstract
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been shown to provide superior pain relief when compared with standard therapy options for postoperative analgesia. If PCA is to be implemented widely in teaching, private and country hospitals, its effectiveness needs balanced with a high safety profile. This can be achieved by consideration of patient selection, comprehensive education of patients, medical and nursing staff and equipment familiarisation. Continuous clinical audit allows identification of problem areas along with monitoring analgesic efficacy.