Improving Acute Pain Management: Development of an Adult Dexmedetomidine Infusion Protocol

Author

Timothy Denney, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Rebecca Collier

Project Team Faculty Member

Frank Lyerla

Keywords

dexmedetomidine, multimodal analgesia, pain management, perioperative

Abstract

Studies have revealed over 80% of surgical patients experience acute postoperative pain: 75% of patients describe pain levels as moderate, severe, or extreme (Chou et al., 2016). Opioids continue to be the mainstay of most postoperative analgesia regimens (Tan, Law, & Gan, 2015). While effective for the treatment of severe pain, opioid use also prolongs length of hospital stay and places patients at greater risk for higher adjusted mean costs due to dose-related side effects. Multimodal analgesia is a concept that continues to gain momentum to improve perioperative analgesia while reducing the incidence of opioid-related adverse events (Buvanendran & Kroin, 2009). Evidence-based research has indicated the use of dexmedetomidine in the perioperative setting as a successful adjunct to a multimodal pain management regimen (Chou et al., 2016; Tan et al., 2015). This project aimed to provide education for a tertiary care center in central Illinois concerning the use of a dexmedetomidine infusion protocol as part of a multimodal pain management regimen, particularly for opioid-tolerant patients. The results of the project suggested the anesthesia providers at the facility increased their knowledge pertaining to the use of the dexmedetomidine and supported the implementation of a dexmedetomidine infusion protocol.

Recommended Citation

Denney, Timothy, "Improving Acute Pain Management: Development of an Adult Dexmedetomidine Infusion Protocol" (2019). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 34.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/34

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