Problem-Solving in Patients with Targeted Drug Delivery Systems.

Patients with intrathecal drug delivery systems presenting for after-hours care typically cause angst among physicians staffing emergency rooms and urgent care centers. The chief complaint of "my pump isn't working" leaves physicians inexperienced with these devices in a defensive position. Fortunately, pump malfunctions are rare. Resources are available to help physicians work through patient concerns. These resources include algorithms to manage possible over- or under-infusion of the various drugs used in these systems as well as technical support from pump manufacturers.