Evidence‐Based Nursing Management of Semi‐Implantable Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems for Refractory Cancer Pain: Protocol Development and Clinical Evaluation

ABSTRACT

This study developed an evidence‐based nursing protocol for semi‐implantable IDDS and evaluated its effectiveness in managing refractory cancer pain to standardize practice. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence translation model, 34 best‐evidence statements were synthesized from literature (2015–2025) to construct a perioperative nursing protocol. This protocol was implemented in 32 patients (post‐implementation group) and compared to 31 pre‐implementation patients. Clinical outcomes, including analgesic effectiveness and adverse events, were evaluated, demonstrating the protocol's impact on improving patient care. The evidence‐based protocol significantly improved pain relief rates and patient satisfaction ( p  < 0.05). Overall adverse events, including infections, were reduced ( p  < 0.05). Compliance with all 12 nursing quality indicators improved, especially home care education ( p  < 0.001). Nursing staff also demonstrated significant gains in IDDS knowledge, attitudes, practices, and dressing‐change performance ( p  < 0.001). An evidence‐based nursing protocol for semi‐implantable IDDS in refractory cancer pain improved pain control, implementation of this evidence‐based nursing protocol was associated with better pain control, fewer device‐related adverse events and higher patient satisfaction, which supports its feasibility for wider clinical practice.