Unfortunately, no technique for delivering medication is completely risk free. The LifeCare PCA system is safe and reliable when used as directed, but as with any device its operation is subject to human error. Abbott is concerned about and examines every patient complication involving its PCA system. Following the incident cited by John Doyle and Kim Vicente, Abbott immediately reported the event to the FDA. Independently, we convened a group of practising anesthesia and pain-management experts from academic and private-practice settings to objectively review the potential for human error in operation of the device and to solicit their advice for future improvements. Abbott has endeavoured to further reduce PCA-related errors by improving labelling and by making prefilled syringes available. The company has also developed continuing medical education programs in cooperation with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

To further reduce the possibility of error, Abbott developed the PCA III, a next-generation device that will be introduced this year. The new PCA pump will feature numerous safety improvements, including sophisticated, integral bar-code technology that will automatically load information about the drug and drug concentration into the device. This technology addresses the major concern raised by Doyle and Vicente related to inconsistencies between a loaded drug's actual concentration and the concentration programmed by the clinician. By eliminating the need to program this information, this state-of-the-art technology offers a substantial advance in reducing the risk of medication error.