A Framework for Successful Intrathecal Pain Management: New Insights from the 2017 Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) Guidelines

Once perceived to be a management approach reserved for salvage therapy—the final straw—after failure of oral high dose opioids, intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) has been established as a cost-effective and efficacious pain management strategy for patients with refractory chronic pain. As the use of IDD expands, there is a need to reduce variability among health care providers in medications that are used, patient selection, trialing, and dosing in order to improve safety and patient outcomes.

In 2000, the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) was formed to provide guidance and recommendations to physicians utilizing IDD to promote safe and effective therapy for patients with refractory chronic pain. As new devices were introduced, new evidence emerged, and experience with intrathecal (IT) therapy expanded—identifying both deficiencies and opportunities—the PACC guidelines were updated. On January 2, 2017, the updated PACC: Recommendations on Intrathecal Drug Infusion Systems Best Practices and Guidelines were released.

Tune into the replay of this 60-minute CME Outfitters symposium as expert faculty, Drs. Gladstone McDowell, II, and Jason Pope translate the new PACC guidelines for use in clinical practice.