Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia has produced a host of adverse effects with errors occurring every 407 people per 10,000 treated. However, this method is also considered crucial to inpatient care. PCA allow patients to control their pain medications, which is linked to improved satisfaction and recovery.
While some problems can be linked to the opioids themselves, many issues occur because of human error, including pump programming errors and incorrect dosages.
Advocacy groups are attempting to raise awareness about IV PCA risks and are encouraging healthcare professionals to help eliminate harmful side effects.
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