Pain management: Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain control that gives the patient the power to control their pain. In PCA, a computerised pump called the patient controlled analgesia pump - which contains a syringe of pain medication as prescribed by a doctor - is connected directly to a fine tube that goes directly into a vein (intravenous administration).

In some cases, the pump is set to deliver a small, constant flow of pain medication. Additional doses of medication can be self-administered as needed by having the patient press a button. At other times, a patient can control when he or she receives pain medication and does not receive a constant flow.

Who can use the PCA pump?

Patients recovering from surgery are often equipped with PCA pumps for their post-operative pain. The machines can also be used by people coping with other kinds of pain.

Children who are four to six years old may be able to use PCA with the help of a parent or nurse. Children who are as young as seven can independently use the PCA pump.

How often should the PCA pump be used?

The pump can be used whenever the patient is feeling pain. However, patients should not press the button on the machine if they are feeling too sleepy. The more alert the patient is, the more likely he or she is to participate in a therapy programme to aid and possibly shorten recovery. Once the acute pain from surgery is controlled, the patient will be switched to tablets by mouth for pain relief.

Is it safe?

PCA pumps have built-in safety features. The total amount of analgesic (pain reliever) that the patient can self-administer is within a safe limit.