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Simon Higgs
 Sep 6, 07 - 12:57 PM |
Discharge of epidural patients
Has anyone seen any research or literature on a recommended time interval between epidural catheter removal and the patient being able to be discharged from hospital for post op patients? Or do you have any policy/thoughts on this? At present we wait 24hours to ensure analgesia is stabilised. |
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Jo. D
Sep 6th, 2007 - 2:12 PM |
Re: Discharge of epidural patients
This was never an issue for us, as there was always at least 24-48 hours post epidural removal prior to discharge (often more) However, we are seeing more and more 'fast-tracked' patients, some of whom are leaving hospital less than 12 hours post epidural removal! Whilst I agree that 24 hours would be useful to allow analgesia to settle I would suggest that a greater concern is the possibility of complications (entry site infection, epidural bleed, epidural abscess etc.) occuring after the patient has left our care! We are currently looking at what can be done about this - but there does not seen to be a simple answer, ?? perhaps a leaflet(telling the patient what to look out for, and who to contact), or a telephone follow-up - but this would seem a poor second to being able to observe the patient! Let us know what you find Simon 
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Jane Hollis
Sep 6th, 2007 - 5:08 PM |
Re: Discharge of epidural patients
I've not copy here to refer to - but it might be worth getting hold of a copy of "Good practice in the management of epidural analgesia in the hospital setting" (I think that's it's correct title) this was issued in about 04/05 and was published by the Royal College of Amaesthetists, the RCN, and the Pain Society. I think it talks about removal/monitoring etc. I'll try to dig a copy out. J. H |
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Simon Higgs
Sep 6th, 2007 - 5:18 PM |
Re: Discharge of epidural patients
The joint document "Good practice in the management of continuous epidural analgesia in the hospital setting, November 2004" doesn't mention any specifics just says that policies and guidelines for catheter removal should exist. |
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