A method for administering an intravenous narcotic agent, such as morphine, using a computerized pump that permits the patient to self-administer doses of medication within preset parameters.
Pain relief controlled by the patient, usually provided following a surgical procedure. The process involves an intravenous infusion containing a predetermined amount of a pain drug, which the patient releases into his or her blood stream as needed.
A method of diminishing pain, most commonly after surgery, in which the patient chooses, within limits set by the physician, how often to receive medication needed to overcome discomfort. Patient-controlled analgesia or PCA (pain control without loss of consciousness), is often used to replace periodic painkiller (analgesic) injections after surgery. PCA allows for a more even administration of medication, generally resulting in improved pain control, in contrast to injections that may produce variable levels of pain control.
A technique whereby a patient can deliver an analgesic substance in amounts related to the extent of the pain that he or she is suffering. For example, to combat post-operative pain, some hospitals use devices which allow patients to give themselves small intravenous amounts of opiates when they are needed. Pain is more effectively controlled if it is not allowed to reach a high level, a situation which tends to happen when patients receive analgesics only on ward drug rounds or when they ask the nursing staff for them.
A drug administration method that permits the patient to control the rate of drug delivery for the control of pain. It is usually accomplished by the use of an infusion pump.
A pain management strategy that empowers the patient to regulate the timing of intravenous administration of analgesic medications.