THERESA FULLARTON endorses the introduction of patient group direction in A&E

Research has shown that three-quarters of patients who attend A&E departments have some degree of pain (Illingsworth and Simpson 1994). Following a literature review and departmental audit, the introduction of a group protocol (Crown Review 1998) for the supply and administration of analgesia at triage was deemed necessary to facilitate change of practice to improve the quality of patient care (Clinical Governance 2000). Our audit attempted to identify if there was a need for a protocol for the supply and administration of analgesia at the time of triage.