American Society for Pain Management Nursing Position Statement with Clinical Practice Guidelines: Authorized Agent Controlled Analgesia

Abstract

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) has updated its 2007 position statement on the use of authorized agent controlled analgesia (AACA) for patients who are unable to independently utilize patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). ASPMN continues to support the use of AACA to provide timely and effective pain management while promoting equitable care for vulnerable patient populations who are unable to utilize PCA. ASPMN does not support the use of “PCA by Proxy” in which unauthorized individuals activate PCA for a patient. The background of the development of the position statement, definitions related to AACA, and application of ethical principles to the use of AACA are presented in the document. This position statement includes an updated review of the evidence related to AACA and a call for further research. Clinical practice recommendations for authorized agents, nurses, prescribers, and organizations are provided with an emphasis on the importance of appropriate authorized agent selection, education, diligent patient assessment and medication management.