I am interested in learning how you handle return to work for hospital staff (nurses, etc.) in safety sensitive positions following implantation of intrathecal pain pumps. The concerns, in addition to medication effects, potentially include pump malfunction (resulting in sudden release or cessation of delivery) which can be life threatening, pump failure and interference with exposure to electromagnetic fields (MRI suites, etc). Concerns also relate to pump refills and titration every few days. 

All that said, I am aware that the newer generation pumps can be programmed in MRI safe modes. 

Each situation is, of course, handled on a case by case basis, but was curious to know if there are general guidelines or protocols that you all follow for staff with newly implanted pumps or older pumps with regards to safety sensitive work, intense work, shift work, around MRIs, etc.

Thank you!

Abhijay

Abhijay Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM 

Medical Director, Occupational Medicine 

Little Rock, AR