Date of Award

Fall 12-2018

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Nina McLain

Committee Chair Department

Nursing

Committee Member 2

Dr. Michong Rayborn

Committee Member 2 Department

Nursing

Committee Member 3

Dr. Bonnie Harbaugh

Committee Member 3 Department

Nursing

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Pain is a source of anxiety for many patients, and uncontrolled pain can have deleterious effects on patient outcomes (Patak et al., 2014). Pain associated with labor is a particular concern of obstetric patients. Epidural analgesia is currently the frontline treatment for pain associated with labor, with epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) often being utilized (Braveman, Scavone, Blessing, & Wong, 2013). Little evidence exists that details what factors of epidural PCA that patients considered important (Patak et al., 2014). In this project, a randomized questionnaire was administered to obstetric patients to assess satisfaction levels with their epidural PCA. The questionnaire also asked patients if they felt a lighted demand button would make their PCA pump easier to use. Fourteen questionnaires were completed and analyzed. A 1 to 10 numerical scale was utilized in the survey. Patients reported a mean satisfaction score of 9.2 concerning each patient’s ability to control their pain. Ninety-three percent of patients felt they were able to adequately control their pain. A mean response of 8.6 was reported for overall satisfaction with the epidural PCA pump. Patients reported a mean response of 9.6 concerning the pumps’ ease of use. Seventy-nine and a half percent of patients stated they were aware when a dose was available. Of the respondents, 35.7% felt that a light would have made their PCA pump easier to use. Overall, respondents were satisfied with their pain control experience. Future studies may benefit by investigating the impact of PCA feedback features on the pain control experience of obstetric patients.

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