A survey on the clinical use of epidural catheters for acute pain management

Indwelling epidural catheters are commonly used to provide analgesia in the postoperative setting. In an attempt to determine how epidurals are used in clinical practice, a survey was conducted at the 1992 annual meeting of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses (ASPMN). A total of 42 institutions were surveyed regarding epidural management practices and procedures. Although there were numerous variations in practice, certain similarities and themes regarding drug choice, patient monitoring, and levels of activity are evident. Technology has made possible continuous infusions of drugs on intermediate care floors, with most institutions relying upon nursing personnel for monitoring.