Ambulance nurses' experiences of pain management with Penthrox® in Swedish ambulance care: A mixed method study

Abstract

Background: Methoxyflurane (MTX) is an inhalation agent that has several potential benefits for limiting various types of pain in ambulance care.

Aim: To elucidate how ambulance nurses experience the characteristics of MTX in an ambulance care setting.

Method: This cross-sectional study applied a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire together with complementary interviews. The questionnaire survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics (10-point Likert scale and question index values [Q-IV], range: 0-1.0). The interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Study results were reported following the STROBE statement.

Results: The ambulance nurses' overall general satisfaction with the MTX concept had a median of 7.0 (IQR 5-8), corresponding to a mean Q-IV of 0.84 (very good experience). The qualitative part was divided into three categories: sense of security, patient participation, and general usefulness. The results revealed varying experiences of usefulness, including pain-relieving effect and the possibility of patient participation. The perceived strong odor of MTX seemed to concern the ambulance nurses and their patients.

Conclusion: In general, MTX was experienced as a safe and effective analgesic. However, the experiences of the overall usefulness varied, particularly since the product had a perceived strong odor. Increasing knowledge of using MTX, could likely increase the overall usefulness.

Keywords: Ambulance care; Ambulance nurse; Methoxyflurane; Pain; Pain management; Patient safety; Penthrox; Work environment.