WE7.14 Penthrox is effective but is it patient approved?

Abstract

Abstract Background Penthrox® is a handheld inhaler that administers methoxyflurane, approved for analgesia in moderate-to-severe trauma-related pain in adults in the emergency department (ED). The literature currently lacks methodologically robust qualitative data on the individual patient experience. Using a structured qualitative study, this project set out to address this shortcoming. Methods A focus group of five patients was initially contacted to identify key themes deemed integral to incorporate into the study questionnaire. All uses of Penthrox® in ED from March to August 2021 were retrospectively identified. Qualitative data was gathered using the Trickett short interview method with responses grouped into positive and negative descriptors. In addition, quantitative data using a 5-point-Lickert scale was also gathered. Results The focus group felt that side effects and overall satisfaction with Penthrox® should be explored. Thus far, 77 respondents have completed the survey. 91% reported an overall satisfaction ‘≥ Good’, while 95% reported ease-of-use as ‘≥ Good’. The analgesic effectiveness of the device was rated as ‘Excellent’ by 52% of respondents and ‘≥ Good’ by 88%. The most reported side effects were drowsiness (14%) and nausea (18%); however, most patients (71%) reported no side effects. Furthermore, 94% of respondents reported they would use Penthrox again. An NVIVO word cloud was created visually confirming an overall positive experience. Conclusions This study highlights that Penthrox® is a well-tolerated and user-friendly method of managing acute trauma pain in ED. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of considering the individual patient journey alongside robust evidence-based data on safety and efficacy for the development of a holistic treatment.