Role of Research at Nura Research Institute

An Interview with Lisa Haney, Director of Research

 As a national leader in targeted drug delivery using an implanted pain pump and spinal catheter, Nura physicians and researchers often work with medical device companies to study the long-term performance of specific devices.

We spoke with Lisa Haney, Director of Nura Research Institute, about what draws manufacturers to Nura — and about what they hope to learn.

Device manufacturers are drawn to Nura for two reasons, according to Haney. “Dr. David Schultz is a world-renowned expert in implantable pain management systems. Not only is he published on the topic of interventional pain management, he is respected and renowned as one of the top implanters in the United States.

“In addition, Nura has a large population of patients with complex chronic pain  — and larger numbers of patients provide variety and ultimately better study data.”

Nura is currently involved in a retrospective chart review study, as well as several post-market device studies for chronic pain management. The latter can last for years, sometimes as long as the devices remain implanted in patients. In addition, our Nura Research Institute supports Dr. Schultz’s projects for publication, on topics such as treatment outcomes in the field of chronic pain management

So why conduct research after a device has received FDA approval?

Haney points to three benefits:  “First, the real-world, longer-term feedback provided by the research can help improve the next model or iteration.  Second, the research can help identify possible new indications for use.  And finally, the research data reaffirms the safety and efficacy of the therapy, which is important to manufacturers and insurers, as well as to government healthcare regulators.”

Haney came to Nura with an extensive background in healthcare research; she has academic experience and has worked at leading consultancies to government agencies such as NIH and DARPA. She appreciates that Nura is serious about research.  “We help the medical community, payers, and device manufacturers understand how pain control devices perform in real-world conditions,” she noted.

“And when it comes to treating chronic pain, that’s what it’s all about.”