Abstract Aims Pain management is widely recognised as a key part of peri-operative care. National guidance recommends routine use of paracetamol peri-operatively and NSAIDs post-operatively. Intravenous (IV) and oral paracetamol have equivalent analgesic efficacy. IV paracetamol has a higher carbon footprint, increased financial and time cost yet remains commonly used. NSAIDs are safe and effective for post-operative pain and have been shown to reduce opioid consumption in this setting. This audit investigated peri-operative analgesia practices for patients undergoing emergency surgery at our centre. Methods Retrospective data was collected for 47 patients undergoing emergency surgery over a one-month period. Prescriptions were reviewed using Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration software. Electronic records were used to identify patients with contraindications for NSAIDs, including structural kidney disease, stage 4 or 5 CKD, concomitant anticoagulation, asthma, and allergies. Results 89% of patients received paracetamol peri-operatively, 83% of which were regular prescriptions. Less than half received paracetamol at the maximum frequency. 83% of paracetamol prescriptions were for IV/oral route without preference for the oral. There were 44 (0.94 per patient) and 47 (1 per patient) pre- and post-operative IV administrations of paracetamol respectively. This included 34 avoidable IV administrations where patients were given oral medications concurrently. Only 28% of patients without contraindications were prescribed NSAIDs post-operatively, of which 15% were regular. Conclusions Prescribing and administration practices are crucial in ensuring optimal analgesic use. Further education regarding this topic and investigation into the barriers preventing maximal administration frequency, oral paracetamol & NSAID use is required.
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