Anesthesia Medical News about Neoplasms Pain Injections, Spinal

Become a Member Today!
Register

Most Viewed Abstracts

1. Report Shows Shift in Starting Salaries for Physicians

2. 2008 Exclusive Survey—Earnings: Good news for primary care income

3. Medicare pay-for-reporting effort draws fire from frustrated doctors

4. Debunking Myths in the US Healthcare System

5. Doctors and the DEA Free full text

Your Article Summary

See Latest Articles

(Click the title below to leave the MDLinx Network and go to the Journal's Website)

Intrathecal infusions for intractable cancer pain: A qualitative study of the impact on a case series of patients and caregivers
Pain Research and Management, 10/28/09

Hawley P et al. – The present study is a qualitative exploration of the impact of intrathecal pump implantation on cancer patients, and also the impact of the intervention on the staff caring for those patients. Six patients participated, with up to three interviews each. Twenty–four staff interviews took place. Patients' hopes and expectations were not always fully met, but the infusions had a profound positive effect on quality of life. Patients expressed anxiety about dependence on the device, and also on a few highly skilled individuals. Staff interviews revealed a significant impact on the 'culture' of the palliative care unit. Clear communication of the rationale for infusion was very important, as was regular education about infusion management. Implanted intrathecal infusion devices are a necessary part of a tertiary level cancer pain management service for the unfortunate minority with intractable pain. Practical recommendations for care are made for palliative care programs contemplating offering intrathecal infusions.

<< Previous
Elevated PAI-1 is associated with poor clinical outcomes in...

Next >>
Use of lidocaine patches for neuropathic pain in a comprehensive...