Current practices in intraspinal therapy - A survey of clinical trends anddecision making

Practice patients were assessed via an internet-based survey distributed to physicians who manage implantable infusion pumps for pain management. Resp ondents consisted of 413 physicians who represented management of 13,342 pa tients, predominantly in the U.S. The survey used a standard questionnaire format plus two clinical vignettes to assess decision-making-practices, The responding physicians chose morphine? most often, Diet many other drugs we re selected without clear indications. There was evidence of wide variation s in clinical practice among physicians who use this modality. These findin gs highlight the need for practice guidelines based on research outcomes an d expert experience to establish pathways for optimal management . (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 2000.