VARIABLE-DOSE PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

One size of patient-controlled analgesia demand dose does not suit all patients after surgery. We have constructed a new patient-controlled analgesia system (variable-dose patient-controlled analgesia) in which patients have a choice of demand dose sizes. In an initial trial, pat ients could choose between 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg morphine. Patients readi ly understood the system and were all 'satisfied' (n = 1) or 'very sat isfied' (n = 9) with the system. Only two patients sought 'complete re lief' fi om pain, most reported seeking 'moderate relief'. All patient s obtained 'a lot of relief' or 'complete relief' with this patient-co ntrolled analgesia system. This preliminary experience suggests that v ariable dose patient-controlled analgesia warrants further investigati on and comparison with conventional patient-controlled analgesia.