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Survey of assessment criteria prior to implantation of spinal cord stimulators in United Kingdom pain management centres
Author(s) -
Ackroyd Rajeena,
Bush Dudley J.,
Graves Jeanette,
McVey Joanne,
Horton Sarah
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejpain.2004.04.002
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , spinal cord stimulator , neuromodulation , spinal cord stimulation , chronic pain , pain assessment , pain management , physical therapy , spinal cord , psychiatry , stimulation , pathology
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a useful option in selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The aim of this questionnaire‐based survey was to determine what assessment methods are used for patients being considered for SCS in pain management centres in the United Kingdom. This was in relation to the recommendations produced by the Task Force of the European Federation of IASP chapters (1998) on neuromodulation. Questionnaires were sent out to previously identified individual SCS implanters. The response rate was 64% ( n =44). The results of the survey were generally encouraging. Just over half of respondents use some form of guideline to assess patients for SCS, most trying opioid and co‐analgesia before proceeding to SCS insertion. There was significant variation concerning absolute contraindications. The majority of respondents worked in a multi‐disciplinary team and 61% stated their patients received a psychological assessment but although 96% of individuals worked with a specialist nurse only 25% reported that the nurse had an active role in the pre‐assessment of patients for SCS. The development of national guidelines may provide a more standardised approach but further research into the role of the specialist nurse and the benefits of psychological assessment would also be useful.