Efficacy and patient acceptability of analgesia by intranasal diamorphine in burns patients: results of a pilot project

Abstract

Objective: To objectively assess intranasal diamorphine as an analgesic adjuvant for change of dressings in burn
patients.
Methodology: Eleven patients were recruited at a regional burns centre for this pilot study. Intranasal diamorphine
at a weight-calculated dose was administered through an atomizer and patient vital signs and APVU scores were
documented pre and post administration. A post-procedural satisfaction questionnaire was also completed by all
patients.
Results: Eleven patients (8 males and 3 females) were recruited for this pilot project. Mean age was 34 years (19-57
years) and mean burn total body surface area (TBSA) was 8.9% (4-17%). Procedure duration was a mean of 53.0
minutes (30-72 minutes). Six of the patients had a past history of opiate use. The data of our small-scale study
shows that it has good analgesic efficacy, rapid-onset, safety and high degree of patient satisfaction without the
need for intravenous access. There were no side-effects and all patients expressed satisfaction with the analgesia
given.
Conclusion: Intranasal diamorphine provides effective analgesia for moderate to severe procedural pain and can
be a safe analgesic adjuvant for change of dressings in burn patients