The British journal of theatre nursing : NATNews : the official journal of the National Association of Theatre Nurses
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The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of acute pain management for the postoperative patient, identify analgesic requirements and to ascertain the incidences of side effects, if any. One important observation noted from the study was that there were quite a significant number of patients that were receiving more that one analgesic on a regular basis. The implications of multi-prescription without strict controls could have a profound negative effect on patient health. Although side effects were noted to be higher in the group of patients that received multiple analgesics, no patient suffered any detrimental or long term effects, and in general patients did appear to be satisfied with their analgesic regime.
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According to the MDD (Medical Devices Directive) 93/42/EEC of 13 June 1993, medical products including gowns and drapes must provide a high level of protection for patients, users and others. The European Commission CEN/TC 205/WG 14, under the leadership of its convenor, Professor Werner, is developing a mandatory European standard on the basic requirements and test methods for disposable and reusable materials for protection of patients, surgical personnel, and operating room facilities i.e. gowns and drapes. This European standard is intended to clarify the situation with respect to products and their properties, defining basic requirements, for users and manufacturers of medical products. ⋯ In case of a lawsuit, this could lead to the burden of proof being shifted to the hospital, with related risk of liability because it is always assumed that the work is being done according to the 'state of the art'. Difficult situations arise when it must be proved that one has acted equivalent to or better than the standard procedures and that no mistakes are made. Because of this risk of liability alone, the question of what surgical materials are used in the future should be considered very carefully.