Nurses' perceptions of patient controlled analgesia.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses' perceptions of PCA. There is a scarcity of available literature about this topic. However, research studies have shown that nurses seem to appreciate PCA and its advantages once they get used to the machine (Fulton 1996, Thomas 1993, Aitken and Kenny 1990). In order to address the aim and objectives of the study, a small-scale exploratory study was carried out. Ten male surgical nurses all working in the same hospital were randomly chosen. Data was collected by means of structured interviews. Results showed that the nurses seemed to have adjusted to the usage of PCA pumps as post-operative pain relief. In fact, the majority thought that patients were better off with PCA than with intramuscular injections as regards pain relief. The major advantage of PCA was perceived to be the concept of control patients have with this therapy, whilst the major disadvantage of PCA was perceived to be the fact that nurses are dependent on anaesthetists everytime a problem with PCA arises. Respondents reported that they need more education about PCA in order to support patients using PCA. Patient selection for PCA also needs to be reviewed. Lastly, the need for more control from the nurses' point of view was felt missing as regards management of patients using PCA. However, it should be said that all the nurses viewed PCA and its usage positively.