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, patients could choose between 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5mg morphine. Patients readily understood the system and were all 'satisfied’ (n = 1) or‘very satisfied’ (n = 9) with the system. Only two patients sought‘complete relief from pain, most reported seeking’ moderate relief. All patients obtained‘a lot of relief or‘complete relief with this patient‐controlled analgesia system. This preliminary experience suggests that variable dose patient‐controlled analgesia warrants further investigation and comparison with conventional patient‐controlled analgesia.