British journal of anaesthesia
-
We investigated the patient characteristic factors that correlate with identification of i.v. cannulation sites with normal eyesight. We evaluated a new infrared vein finding (VF) technology device in identifying i.v. cannulation sites. ⋯ African-American or Asian ethnicity, and obesity were associated with decreased vein visibility. The visibility of veins eligible for cannulation increased for all subgroups using a new infrared device.
-
The characteristics and psychological impact of pain suffered by medical inpatients has been relatively under-investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the pain experience of medical, surgical inpatients, and patients attending a pain management centre. Some aspects of the quality of pain scoring and prescribing were also audited. ⋯ The characteristics of pain in the medical and surgical groups were similar, with high levels of anxiety and depression. The pain management group differed from the inpatient groups, with higher levels of psychopathology and poorer coping. These findings provide some insight into the complex nature of pain in hospital inpatients, and may inform where limited resources should be utilized to provide greatest patient benefit.