Intrathecal baclofen therapy: ten steps toward best practice.

Abstract

Practitioners from around the country who have extensive experience in intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy gathered in early 2004 to develop best-practice guidelines for ITB therapy. Discussion focused on the idea that ITB therapy is a program rather than a procedure. Key recommendations were made in areas including team coordination, patient selection and goals, patient education, patient screening, implant technique, long-term management, individualized dosing options, ongoing evaluation of patient response, appraisal of the integrity of the catheter and infusion system, and appropriate practice resources.