Authors

  1. Jungquist, Carla R. PhD, NP
  2. Correll, Darin J. MD
  3. Fleisher, Lee A. MD
  4. Gross, Jeffrey MD
  5. Gupta, Rajnish MD
  6. Pasero, Chris MS, RN-BC
  7. Stoelting, Robert MD
  8. Polomano, Rosemary PhD, RN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Guidelines with recommendations for monitoring type and timing of hospitalized patients for opioid-induced respiratory depression have been published, yet adverse events continue to occur.

 

OBJECTIVE: This study reports on the monitoring practices of 8 hospitals that volunteered to pilot test a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services e-quality measure that was under development. Recommendations for nurse executives are provided to support patient safety.

 

METHODS: Data on monitoring practices were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical records at 8 hospitals on all patients receiving intravenous (IV) opioids for more than 2.5 continuous hours via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Analysis included the percentage of patients who were monitored according to specific standards developed by a panel of technical experts with comparisons of naloxone use to monitoring practices.

 

RESULTS: Recommended patient assessments occurred in only 8.3% of the patients. No patients who were assessed at least every 2.5 hours received naloxone.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Care for patients receiving IV PCA is lacking in adherence to latest safety standards. Nurse executives must implement structures and processes to promote vigilance with evidence-based monitoring practices.