Intrathecal catheters: developing consistency in filter use and dressings in Perth, Australia

The use of opioids presents practitioners with many challenges, such as the variation in responses and side effects seen with traditional methods of administration. This has prompted an increase in the consideration of the intrathecal route for the management of patients with refractory cancer pain. Although this has increased the therapeutic options available to patients, it has also led to more complicated pain management strategies. In Perth, Western Australia, it was identified that clinical variations, especially in the programming of the pump maintenance of the filters and associated dressings, occurred between service providers, causing confusion and anxiety for patients, families and practitioners. This article discusses a review of nursing management of patients receiving intrathecal analgesia and the collaboration of all services in the development of evidence-based policy.