A Scoping Review of Intravenous Opioid Pain Protocols and Their Dose-Time Intervals in the Management of Acute Postoperative Pain in the Postanesthesia Care Unit

J Perianesth Nurs. 2020 Aug;35(4):374-381. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2019.12.002. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Abstract

Purpose: This review aims to explore intravenous opioid pain protocols and their dose-time intervals in managing acute postoperative pain in adults in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Design: A scoping review using a systematic search strategy.

Methods: Sixteen articles were identified from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane specific to the aims.

Findings: The literature demonstrated several variations on dose-time intervals used for opioid pain protocol administration globally. Furthermore, opioid analgesic pain protocols in the PACU appear to be effective in postoperative pain management. However, the literature did not identify optimal time intervals related to dose administration within these protocols.

Conclusions: Literature gaps were identified regarding the significance of dose-time intervals when using opioid analgesic pain protocols in the PACU.

Keywords: opioid analgesic; pain protocol; postanesthesia care unit; postoperative pain.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Pain Management
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative* / drug therapy
  • Review Literature as Topic

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid