Atraumatic needles for lumbar puncture: why haven't neurologists changed?
Diagnostic lumbar puncture is a key procedure in neurology; however, it is commonly complicated by post-lumbar puncture headache. Atraumatic needle systems can dramatically reduce the incidence of this iatrogenic complication. However, only a minority of neurologists use such needles. In this paper, we discuss possible reasons why neurologists have not switched to new technology, looking more at diffusion of innovation rather than lack of evidence. We suggest ways to overcome this failure to adopt change, ranging from local interventions to patient empowerment.
Department of Neurosciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK The Royal London Hospital, CAG Neuroscience, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Davis
Department of Neurosciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK.
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Dobson
The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Kaninia
Department of Neurosciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK The Royal London Hospital, CAG Neuroscience, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Giovannoni
Department of Neurosciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK The Royal London Hospital, CAG Neuroscience, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Schmierer
D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009462:Neurology; D051299:Post-Dural Puncture Headache / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*
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