Subcutaneous Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Home-Based Palliative Care: “It’s as Straightforward as Pushing a Button, Right at my Fingertips”

Abstract

Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia (SCPCA) in home-based palliative care is a potentially valuable option for providing effective pain relief to some patients, particularly when conventional analgesic approaches prove ineffective or are refused. Our case report illustrates the use of SPCA for the management of breakthrough pain in a patient receiving palliative care at home with no improvement after multiple previous treatments. SCPCA was found to be safe and successful. Future research is essential to explore its precise role, appropriate indications, prescription guidelines, and safety considerations across various palliative care contexts.

Keywords:

• Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia
• pain
• home-based palliative care
• case report

Ethical approval

This study constituted an intervention conducted within the scope of standard medical practice, therefore submission to Institutional Review Board was not required.

Authors contributions

MJ and PC contributed to the data collection. MJ and EB were responsible for the initial draft of the manuscript, which was subsequently reviewed and commented on by all authors. The final manuscript received unanimous approval from all authors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.