Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia for labour analgesia: guidance from the obstetric anaesthetists' association: Recommendations for well tolerated provision of remifentanil PCA for labour analgesia

Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has emerged as an important option for labour analgesia, particularly for women who are unable to receive neuraxial analgesia. Concerns about maternal safety and staffing requirements suggest that in many maternity units, it is only infrequently used, leading to variation in practice. In 2023, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended that all labouring women be informed about the full range of analgesia options, including remifentanil PCA, highlighting the need for a standardised management approach.