Evaluating Advance Practice Provider–Driven Initiatives to Reduce Time to Treatment

Patients referred for chronic pain and spasticity management are often prescribed evaluation for intrathecal pump (ITP) placement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an ITP protocol bundle decreased time from referral to ITP trial. Data were abstracted from an existing database for time from referral to advanced practice provider appointment, pump trial, and pump placement. The mean ± SD time from referral to trial was similar before and after implementation (81.9 ± 60.6 days vs 54.7 ± 36.9 days; P = .084). Although several factors were found to influence outpatient care, this bundle shows the potential to reduce time from ITP referral to ITP placement.