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Safer PCA therapy: Patient safety benefits of continuous respiratory rate and end-tidal monitoring

A continuing education self-study activity (1.50 CE) for pharmacists, nurses and respiratory therapists.

Course overview:

Although patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is a commonly used method of addressing post-operative pain control, the therapy is not without significant risks. The respiratory depression associated with opioid administration can result in severe adverse effects. Safety organizations such as the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) have identified the safety risks and have advocated the use of continuous monitoring for patients receiving opioid therapy.

In 2006 and again in 2009, the APSF recommended that all patients receiving PCA and neuraxial opioids should be monitored continuously. Historically, most of the use of monitoring has been intermittent use of pulse oximetry, typically used during the collection of vital signs.

This webcast provides an overview of the position of the APSF on the need for continuous monitoring. It will also describes case reports where continuous monitoring identified patients with severe respiratory depression and who might otherwise had a fatal outcome. The physiology of oxygenation and ventilation is reviewed, as well as the types of monitoring that is most appropriate in different clinical applications. Our faculty will share their clinical experience, identify the ideal PCA monitoring team members, and discuss state of the art communication systems that can provide remote central surveillance alarms management.

Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, the participants should be able to:


  1. Identify the value of continuous monitoring of PCA patients.
  2. Compare and contrast pulse oximetry and capnography for their value in respiratory monitoring.
  3. Review the elements of education, training and implementation of a new monitoring technology.
  4. Discuss the new role for the respiratory therapist as a PCA team member.
  5. Provide actual patient cases where continuous monitoring had a positive safety benefit.

To access the program, go to:
https://attewc.webex.com/attewc/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=4926228&rKey=26552EC99ECD239C

Continuing education link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/10november12webcastreplay


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