Fl. Sullivan et al., A SURVEY ON THE CLINICAL USE OF EPIDURAL CATHETERS FOR ACUTE PAIN MANAGEMENT, Journal of pain and symptom management, 9(5), 1994, pp. 303-307
Indwelling epidural catheters are commonly used to provide analgesia i
n the postoperative setting. In an attempt to determine how epidurals
are used in clinical practice, a survey was conducted at the 1992 annu
al meeting of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses (ASPMN).
A total of 42 institutions were surveyed regarding epidural management
practices and procedures. Although there were numerous variations in
practice, certain similarities and themes regarding drug choice, patie
nt monitoring, and levels of activity are evident. Technology has made
possible continuous infusions of drugs on intermediate care floors, w
ith most institutions relying upon nursing personnel for monitoring.