Do Elderly Patients Use Patient-Controlled Analgesia Medication Delivery Systems Correctly?

Background: Although prior studies have shown patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to be appropriate for use by children and adults, no studies have specifically evaluated the ability of elderly patients to use the technology correctly.

Purpose: To determine whether elderly, postoperative patients can properly use PCA devices.

Methods: Using a descriptive study design, a convenience sample of elderly, postoperative orthopedic patients was observed while using a PCA device and surveyed about the proper use of the device.