British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the world's commonest hereditary disorders. Painful episodes are the overriding manifestation. SCD pain is largely opioid-sensitive and, in severe cases, adult patients warranting hospitalization often need parenteral opioids. ⋯ Patients identified that realization of PCA's full potential is being limited by ineffective analgesic regimens, analgesic side effects and technical shortcomings. Patients found the main disadvantages of PCA to relate to nursing care issues including restrictions placed upon patients' ability to exercise choice and much reduced direct nurse contact. The implications for nursing practice and management involve addressing these patients' concerns through staff training, improving patient-staff communication, inputting resources and further research.