Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia in palliative care

Abstract

Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia (SCPCA) is an underutilized method of pain management in palliative care patients. In a select group of patients, including patients in whom enteral analgesia is ineffective or undeliverable, and in patients with limited access to healthcare due to geographical or other logistic issues, SCPCA can provide an effective and safe alternative.

Keywords:

• Patient-controlled analgesia
• community palliative care
• subcutaneous
• opioid

Conflicts of interest

The authors (Jayamangala Sampath Kondasinghe, Penelope Helen Rose Tuffin and Fiona Joy Findlay) declare that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.