The study, titled “Impact of a Comprehensive Safety Initiative on Patient-Controlled Analgesia Errors,” found the incident of PCA errors is relatively low at 1 percent, and most errors occurred during administration. The study suggests facilities could use barcode readers and computerized physician order-entry systems to improve safety further.
Preprinted physician orders for PCAs were designed to match the programming parameters of the new pumps and included all the information necessary to complete a PCA prescription. Nurses were also trained on the use of the new order sets. Both measures were found to decrease error in the administration process.
Read the study published in Anesthesiology.
Read more on anesthesia:
–4 Ways ASCs Can Improve Operational Efficiency With Anesthesia
–ASA Study: Patients Fear Health System Changes Will Lead to Lower Standards of Care
–Numeric Rating Scores for Self-Reported Pain Appropriate for Children
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
