Practice Trends of Neuromodulation Therapies for Pain and Spasticity in India

Abstract

Background: Neuromodulation has been successfully used globally to address severe refractory chronic pain for over five decades. Compared to the wide acceptance that it enjoys in United States and Europe, it is fairly underutilized in Asia, including India.

Objectives: We conducted the first systematic nationwide survey to provide an overview of neuromodulation in the past 20 years to investigate the practice trends for severe refractory chronic pain and barriers for the uptake of neuromodulation therapies for pain in India.

Design: A 20-point detailed questionnaire survey was sent out for online completion in August 2020 to practitioners in India involved in interventions for pain. The survey was completed by 112 practitioners (10% return rate). The response data collected were analyzed, tabulated, and presented as percentages.

Results: The average duration of pain practice in India for the majority of respondents was less than a decade. About 70% of practitioners expressed that they manage severe refractory pain without neuromodulation. This survey confirms that neuromodulation is grossly underutilized for pain, comprising only 10% of total neuromodulation implants performed per annum in India. The most common indications were neuropathic pain (45%) and failed back surgery syndrome (42%). The respondents expressed the main barriers to be related to the cost (85%), lack of awareness (68%), and lack of good training (59%). More than 50% of respondents also expressed difficulty of access to neuromodulation therapies for pain and acceptance by patients.

Conclusion: The younger generation of pain practitioners in India is becoming more aware and convinced about the role of neuromodulation to alleviate severe pain and suffering. An all-round approach combining improved training, awareness at various levels, more flexible options of newer technology and reimbursement approval can positively influence its use. This can be achieved with the collective efforts of physicians, insurers, industry, and focused academic activities of clinical societies.