"The Safety Benefits of Continuous Patient Monitoring During PCA"

Safe and effective pain management is fundamental in the care of hospitalized patients. The use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is common in clinical practice, but it is not without associated hazards and risks. Despite significant advancements in pain management clinical practice and emerging technologies, oversedation and respiratory depression represent the most significant potential for harm associated with PCA deliveries.

In October 2006, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) hosted a conference on PCA Safety, and shortly thereafter the APSF released a statement encouraging hospitals to consider continuous monitoring of patients receiving PCA and neuraxial narcotics.

In October, 2006, Main Line Health in Philadelphia implemented PCA therapy with continuous capnography (end tidal CO2) monitoring. In this webcast, our faculty will discuss the rationale for continuous respiratory monitoring. In addition, we will hear from the nurses how this new technology was implemented and the lessons learned in applying a new physiological monitor in the med/surg care areas. The role of the respiratory therapist as a new member of the PCA team will also be discussed.

Experience with this monitoring technology has demonstrated immediate improvement in patient care by adding a safety net for critical patient risk-factors unprotected by programming safety, such as undiagnosed clinical conditions and PCA by proxy. Using patient case studies, this presentation will provide insight into how continuous monitoring has helped reduced the risk of harm with over-sedation and respiratory depression.

To access the program, go to:
https://attewc.webex.com/attewc/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=30409662&rKey=4ED373C1D9315361