The experience of caring for Patients with an intrathecal catheter
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of the Experience of Bereaved Relatives on Caring for Someone with an Intrathecal catheter for Analgesia
IRAS ID
133165
Contact name
Mark Walker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Moderate to severe pain is experienced by over 50% of cancer patients. The majority of cases can be treated with a combination of traditional pain killers and anti- cancer treatments. However a small number of terminally ill patients have pain which is unresponsive to conventional treatment. In these patients a spinal infusion also known as an intrathecal delivery system can be used.
The intrathecal drug delivery system is a method by which drugs can be delivered directly to the cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF) which bathes the spinal cord, thereby directly targeting the nerves that register pain. A fine plastic tube is inserted into the CSF and is attached to a pump through which a constant infusion of painkiller is delivered. Previous studies have shown that intrathecal drug delivery improves pain relief resulting in a reduced need for other drugs leading to fewer side effects.
It is possible, however, that reduction in sedation from painkillers can result in an increased awareness of prognosis leading to distress. This is an area that has not been studied before but which potentially has a huge impact on patients and their families especially when approaching the end of life.
The aim of this study is to explore the views of bereaved carers of patients who died and had intrathecal pain relief. We hope to gain insight into the benefits and drawbacks of this form of pain relief and whether carers think it improved the overall patients’ quality of life.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0473
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion