[Surgical pain management. A Germany-wide survey including the effect of clinical guidelines]

Effect of a Single Preventive Intravenous Dose of Ketorolac and Paracetamol on Reducing Postoperative Pain in Septorhinoplasty Patients: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Effective pain management is crucial in septorhinoplasty and remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the effect of ketorolac and paracetamol on pain control in septorhinoplasty patients and assessed their efficacy in reducing the need for rescue analgesics.

Methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted at Madar-Koodak Hospital (Shiraz, Iran), in 2022. Ninety-nine patients were randomly assigned to three groups to receive ketorolac 30 mg (n=33), paracetamol 1000 mg (n=33), and normal saline (n=33), respectively. All the medications were administered intravenously (IV) 30 min before surgery. The randomization procedure followed the block randomization method. If the pain did not subside, patients were also given a single dose of pethidine hydrochloride (25 mg). Pain intensity was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) 1 hour and 6 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, using paired t tests, ANOVA, and Chi square tests.

Results

One-hour post-surgery, VAS scores in the ketorolac and paracetamol groups were significantly lower than in the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean difference with 95% CI for ketorolac-placebo and paracetamol-placebo was -0.57 (-0.94, -0.21), and -0.79 (-1.12, -0.45), respectively. The ketorolac and paracetamol groups required significantly less pethidine hydrochloride 1 hour post-surgery than the placebo group (P<0.001). The VAS scores and requiring pethidine were not significantly different between the ketorolac and paracetamol groups.

Conclusion

After septorhinoplasty, the administration of 1000 mg of IV paracetamol demonstrated comparable efficacy in pain reduction to 30 mg of ketorolac. It suggested that paracetamol could serve as a viable alternative to ketorolac in preventing postoperative pain after septorhinoplasty, particularly in patients for whom non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs could not be a suitable choice.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20180922041084N6.

Postoperative pain after parotid surgery-comparison between superficial/total parotidectomy and extracapsular dissection: a prospective observational study

PURPOSE

To evaluate postoperative pain and discomfort after parotid surgery with regard to different surgical approaches.

METHODS

This clinical study was carried out at a single tertiary referral center (2021-2022) and included 2 groups of adult patients (mean age 56.6 ± 12.7 vs. 53.4 ± 14.1 years) following elective parotid surgery due to a parotid tumor of any entity. The first group (SP/TP group) consisted of 31 patients after superficial parotidectomy (SP) or total parotidectomy (TP) (n = 31). The second group (ECD group) included all patients who had undergone extracapsular dissection (ECD) (n = 51). Primary endpoints comprised pain on ambulation as well as maximum and minimum pain (NRS 0-10) on the first three postoperative days (PODs). A neuropathic pain component (evaluated on POD 1 and 3), the analgesic score (collected from the patient file on POD 1-3), treatment-related side-effects/pain-associated impairments, and patient satisfaction (all measured on the 1st POD) were defined as secondary endpoints. Patients were surveyed using the standardized and validated "Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment" (QUIPS) questionnaire and the painDETECT® questionnaire. Comparisons were performed using independent t tests, Wilcoxon tests, and χ2 tests, and the respective effect sizes were calculated.

RESULTS

Looking at the first postoperative day, patients of both groups (SP/TP vs. ECD) reported comparable pain on ambulation (2.8 ± 2.0 vs. 2.6 ± 1.8; p = 0.628, r = 0.063), maximum (3.5 ± 2.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.3; p = 0.992, r = 0.002) and minimum pain (1.1 ± 1.04 vs. 1.0 ± 1.2; p = 0.206, r = 0.157). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in pain-related restrictions or pain medication requirement. The patients in both groups were equally satisfied with their pain therapy (p = 0.282, R = 0.135). The sum score of the painDETECT® questionnaire delivered clearly negative (< 12) results on average (POD1: 6.81; POD3: 6.59); no significant difference between the groups was found (p = 0.991, R2 < .001).

CONCLUSION

Neither surgical technique on the parotid gland was significantly superior to the other in terms of postoperative pain perception. Overall, postoperative pain can be classified as mild to moderate following parotid surgery. A neuropathic pain component could be excluded for the acute postoperative phase.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the German Registry for Clinical Studies (DRKS) (application No.: DRKS00016520).

Postoperative pain after tonsillectomy - the value of standardized analgesic treatment protocols

OBJECTIVE

To alleviate pain after tonsillectomy (TE) with escalating gradual treatment protocols in a prospective trial.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Following TE, 83 consecutive adult patients were treated with two different four-staged escalating analgesic protocols. Metamizole served as basic medication in protocol 1 (PT1; n = 44), whereas with protocol 2 (PT2; n = 39) ibuprofen was applied as baseline analgesic. Both protocols were escalated according to the patient´s needs to metamizole and ibuprofen vice versa and additional weak to strong opioids. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as the minimum and maximum pain as well as pain on ambulation (NRS, 0-10). Secondary endpoints comprised analgesic score, patient satisfaction and treatment-related side-effects.

RESULTS

Both patient groups exhibited similar demographic characteristics (PT1: Ø 28.8 years; 64% ♀ and PT2: Ø 26.6 years; 56% ♀). Maximum pain (6.7 ± 1.9 vs. 7.6 ± 1.6, t₍₈₁₎ = -2.254, p = 0.027) and pain on ambulation (5.0 ± 1.8 vs. 5.8 ± 1.8, t₍₈₁₎ = -2.114, p = 0.038) were significantly higher with PT2. 68.2% of patients with PT1 needed an escalation of analgesic treatment compared to 100% with PT2 (p < 0.001). The opioid consumption was also significantly higher with PT2 (43.2% vs. 71.8%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences regarding functional impairments, side-effects and patient satisfaction (7.0 ± 2.0 vs. 7.4 ± 2.4, t₍₇₉₎ = -0.897, p = 0.373).

CONCLUSION

Both treatment protocols yielded in a high degree of patient satisfaction but dissatisfactory pain relief following TE. Metamizole can be recommended as a basic medication allowing for improved pain relief. Reported pain intensities were independent of the amount of opioid intake. Further research is mandatory to standardize and improve analgesic treatment after TE.

[The effects of setting a standard in the acute pain therapy on a ward : Parameters for patient and provider satisfaction and cost structure (STANDAKU)]

BACKGROUND

There is neither a "gold standard" nor commonly approved therapy goals in postoperative pain therapy. In a multi-center study, more than 80% of all patients treated stated that they suffered from postoperative pain. Moreover, patients evaluated the pain therapy as significantly worse than other medical or nursing practices. Therefore, there is a need for optimization in therapy for acute pain.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of our project was to figure out if the introduction of a "pain treatment standard" would increase the satisfaction of patients, physicians, and nurses, and reduce the costs of pain-related medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 2769 patients and 285 providers (202 nurses and 83 physicians) were polled. The medication costs in ten areas of the ward were evaluated and compared. The providers were offered a training course on the "pain standard" and it was officially introduced onto the wards. After some time, the satisfaction of patients and providers and the use of medicine were recorded again.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The maximum pain values declared by the patients significantly decreased after the introduction of the "pain standard." The satisfaction with pain therapy significantly increased for the patients and for the providers. The reported minimum pain values of the patients did not change significantly. The costs of pain medicine slightly increased. In general, there was a positive effect of introducing a "pain standard" for patients and providers.

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy-parameters and correlations of postoperative pain management

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative pain management is of utmost interest for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding process and outcome parameters of postoperative pain management after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective clinical study, 31 adults were evaluated on the first postoperative day following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy using the standardized questionnaire of the Germany-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS). It allows a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome, and pain therapy process parameters.

RESULTS

Pain management consisted mainly of premedication with midazolam, sufentanil, and metamizol intraoperatively; piritramide in the recovery room; and metamizol and tramadol on ward. Twenty patients (64.5%) showed inadequate pain management with pain levels ≥4. Patients receiving tramadol as opioid on ward presented significantly higher maximum pain levels (p = .037). Significantly lower satisfaction with postoperative pain intensity (p > .001) and significantly higher desire for additional pain medication (p = .023) were detected, when duration of surgery was above the median of 107.5 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate pain management on the first postoperative day following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was widespread on our ward. QUIPS helped us to identify it and thereby gave us the possibility to improve the situation. Prolonged duration of surgery seems to be a predictor of an elevated postoperative pain medication demand.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Only the establishment of an ongoing monitoring of postoperative pain management can help to reduce or even avoid inadequate postoperative pain management. In accordance to the existing literature, we found inadequate postoperative pain management more widespread than thought.

Severe sepsis and septic shock in pre-hospital emergency medicine: survey results of medical directors of emergency medical services concerning antibiotics, blood cultures and algorithms

Delayed antibiotic treatment for patients in severe sepsis and septic shock decreases the probability of survival. In this survey, medical directors of different emergency medical services (EMS) in Germany were asked if they are prepared for pre-hospital sepsis therapy with antibiotics or special algorithms to evaluate the individual preparations of the different rescue areas for the treatment of patients with this infectious disease. The objective of the survey was to obtain a general picture of the current status of the EMS with respect to rapid antibiotic treatment for sepsis. A total of 166 medical directors were invited to complete a short survey on behalf of the different rescue service districts in Germany via an electronic cover letter. Of the rescue districts, 25.6 % (n = 20) stated that they keep antibiotics on EMS vehicles. In addition, 2.6 % carry blood cultures on the vehicles. The most common antibiotic is ceftriaxone (third generation cephalosporin). In total, 8 (10.3 %) rescue districts use an algorithm for patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. Although the German EMS is an emergency physician-based rescue system, special opportunities in the form of antibiotics on emergency physician vehicles are missing. Simultaneously, only 10.3 % of the rescue districts use a special algorithm for sepsis therapy. Sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock do not appear to be prioritized as highly as these deadly diseases should be in the pre-hospital setting.

Cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction with microvascular radialis flaps-parameters and correlations of postoperative pain management

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative pain management is of highest interest for patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery including microvascular reconstructive surgery. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding process and outcome of postoperative pain management after microvascular reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective clinical study, 31 adults were evaluated on the first postoperative day following microvascular reconstruction with a radial forearm flap using the standardized questionnaire of the Germany-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS). It enables a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome and pain therapy process parameters.

RESULTS

Pain management consisted predominately of premedication with midazolam, sufentanil and metamizol intraoperatively, piritramid in the intensive care unit and metamizol, tramadol and fentanyl patches on ward. Nineteen patients (61.3 %) showed inadequate pain management with pain levels ≥4. Among other significant relations, patients exhibiting an age below the median presented significant higher levels of pain under strain (p = .041) and maximum pain (p = .006) as well as rate of breathing (p = .009) and mood (p = .006) disturbance. Performance of pain counselling showed specific impact on pain under strain (p = .008), maximum pain (p = .004) and satisfaction with pain intensity (p = .001). Whether microvascular reconstruction was performed with primary or secondary intention or performance of a neck dissection did not show significant influence.

CONCLUSIONS

QUIPS helped us to adequately evaluate the procedure-specific quality of postoperative management following microvascular reconstruction with a radial forearm flap. It helped us to identify a surprisingly high amount of inadequate pain management. Postoperative pain levels seem to be primarily influenced by the performed reconstruction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Establishment of a continuous and procedure-specific evaluation of postoperative pain levels should help to avoid inadequate pain management, which is widely prevalent according to the literature and our study. Preoperative pain counselling is essential and should be procedure specific to be its best.

A follow-up on Acute Pain Services in Germany compared to international survey data

BACKGROUND

After the introduction of instruments for benchmarking, certification and a national guideline for acute pain management, the aim of this study was to describe the current structure, processes and quality of German acute pain services (APS).

METHODS

All directors of German departments of anaesthesiology were invited to complete a postal questionnaire on structures und processes of acute pain management. The survey asked for staff, techniques and quality criteria, which enabled a comparison to previous data from 1999 and surveys from other countries.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eight (46%) questionnaires were returned. APS have increased considerably and are now available in 81% of the hospitals, mainly anaesthesia based. However, only 45% fulfilled the minimum quality criteria, such as the assignment of personnel, the organization of patient care during nights and weekends, written protocols for postoperative pain management, regular assessments and documenting pain scores. Staff resources varied considerably, but increased compared to 1999. Two daily rounds were performed in 71%, either by physicians and nurses (42%), by physicians only (25%) or by supervised nurses (31%). Most personnel assigned to the APS shared this work along with other duties. Only 53% of the hospitals had an integrated rotation for training their specialty trainees.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of APS in Germany and other countries has increased over the last decade; however, the quality of nearly half of the APS is questionable. Against the disillusioning background of recently reported unfavourable pain-related patient outcomes, the structures, organization and quality of APS should be revisited.

[Inpatient acute pain management in German hospitals: results from the national survey "Akutschmerzzensus 2012"]

BACKGROUND

In 2007, the German national guidelines on "Treatment of acute perioperative and post-traumatic pain" were published. The aim of this study was to describe current structure and process data for acute pain management in German hospitals and to compare how the guidelines and other initiatives such as benchmarking or certification changed the healthcare landscape in the last decade.

METHODS

All directors of German departments of anesthesiology according to the DGAI ("Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin", German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care) were mailed a standardized questionnaire on structures and processes of acute pain management in their hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 403 completed questionnaires (46 %) could be evaluated. Of hospitals, 81 % had an acute pain service (ASD), whereby only 45 % met defined quality criteria. Written standards for acute pain management were available in 97 % of the hospitals on surgical wards and 51 % on nonsurgical wards. In 96 %, perioperative pain was regularly recorded (generally pain at rest and/or movement, pain-related functional impairment in 16 % only). Beside these routine measurements, only 38 % of hospitals monitored pain for effectiveness after acute medications. Often interdisciplinary working groups and/or pain managers are established for hospital-wide control. As specific therapy, the patient-controlled analgesia and epidural analgesia are largely prevalent (> 90 % of all hospitals). In the last decade, intravenous and oral opioid administration of opioids (including slow release preparations) has become established in acute pain management.

CONCLUSION

The survey was representative by evaluating 20 % of all German hospitals. The organizational requirements for appropriate pain management recommended by the German guidelines for acute pain recommended have been established in the hospital sector in recent years. However, the organizational enforcement for acute pain management in nonsurgical areas is not adequate yet, compared to the perioperative care. In all hospitals modern medication and invasive techniques are widely available.

The first postoperative day: prospective evaluation of pain in adult otorhinolaryngologic surgery

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess postoperative pain within the first 24 hours after otorhinolaryngologic surgery and to identify factors influencing postoperative pain.

METHODS

A total of 8447 patients from 65 German hospitals were included in a prospective evaluation using a web-based multicenter registry. On the first postoperative day, patients were asked to rate their pain using the questionnaires of the German-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment including numeric rating scales (0 to 10) for the determination of patients' pain on ambulation, maximal pain, and minimal pain. Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment allowed a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome, and process parameters. The influence of these parameters on the patients' postoperative pain was estimated by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean pain on ambulation, the maximal pain, and minimal pain were 3.2±2.3, 4.3±2.7, and 1.6±1.6, respectively. Oral surgery, especially the subgroup of patients receiving a tonsillectomy, was related to the highest pain scores (all Ps<0.05): pain on ambulation: 4.3±2.1; maximal pain: 5.6±2.3; minimal pain: 2.4±1.6. Several factors were independently associated with more maximal pain: female sex, younger age, chronic pain, type of surgery, no pain counseling, no usage of a sedative and/or a nonopioid as premedication, usage of a nonopioid in the recovery room and/or ward, and usage of a cold pack on ward.

DISCUSSION

Analgesia and perioperative pain management in otorhinolaryngologic surgery seems to be highly variable. After otorhinolaryngologic surgery many patients seem to receive less analgesia than needed or ineffective analgesic drug regimes.

[QUIPSambulant. An instrument for quality assurance in acute pain therapy after outpatient operations]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Up until recently no tool for quality assurance (QA) of outpatient pain therapy after outpatient surgery, which currently constitutes one third of all operations, was available with benchmarking capacity. The QUIPS (German abbreviation for quality assurance in postoperative pain therapy) questionnaire, that had primarily been developed and established for inpatient postoperative pain therapy, was to be optimized to not only incorporate the issues with regard to outpatient operations but also a revision for use in the clinical routine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An interdisciplinary task force reviewed and optimized the QUIPS questionnaire. The optimized questionnaire was then used within the scope of outpatient surgery in their clinics. A total of 121 patients and 12 surgeons received a questionnaire on the first postoperative day containing questions on acceptance and understandability of the QUIPS patient outcome questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the patients 12 (9.9 %) did not understand the original question on special pain therapy procedures stated during the preoperative counseling. For 15 patients (12.4 %) the original questions on chronic or pre-existing pain were misleading and 4 out of the 12 surgeons (33 %) did not conclusively understand these questions. The optimized questionnaire modified the questions in the preoperative counseling in the segment of postoperative pain as follows: question E1 was changed to a yes/no answer. Question E13 was modified to "how content were you with respect to your post-operative pain therapy?" Question E14 was modified to "did you suffer from other pain prior to the operation, hence pain that continued in addition to the postoperative pain?" These changes improved the understandability of the QUIPS patient outcome questionnaire. Surgeons required on average 9.7 min (SD ±3.2 min) to complete the QUIPS documentation sheets and 83 % of the surgeons rated the optimized QUIPS module as usable in the daily routine. The new module QUIPSambulant will soon be available for download on the QUIPS internet website.

DISCUSSION

By reducing items on the QUIPS documentation sheets with respect to items relevant for outpatient surgery and redesigning three questions in the patient outcome questionnaire, a new QUIPS module for the QA of postoperative pain in an ambulatory setting is now available for both patients and surgeons. The necessity for quality management (QM) with regard to postoperative pain therapy after outpatient surgery can be considered assured. To what extent the newly adapted QM tool QUIPSambulant will be deemed suitable in a routine hospital setting remains to be seen and requires ongoing investigation.

Pain on the first postoperative day after head and neck cancer surgery

Postoperative pain within the first 24 h after head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery was assessed. Factors influencing postoperative pain were identified. In a prospective cohort single center study 145 HNC patients rated their pain on the first postoperative day using questionnaires of the German-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment (QUIPS) including numeric rating scales (NRS, 0-10) for the determination of patient's pain on ambulation, his maximal and minimal pain. QUIPS allowed a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics and pain-related parameters. The influence of these parameters on the patients' postoperative pain was estimated by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. One-third had already pain prior to the surgical intervention. Overall, the mean pain on ambulation, maximal pain and minimal pain were 2.55 ± 2.36, 3.18 ± 2.86, and 1.38 ± 2.86 (NRS), respectively. 53 % of the patients had maximal pain scores >3. Multivariate analysis revealed independent predictors for more postoperative pain on ambulation: intensity of chronic preoperative pain, usage of non-opioids on ward, and existence of pain documentation on ward. Intensity of chronic preoperative pain and usage of non-opioids on ward were independent risk factors for more maximal pain. Intensity of chronic preoperative pain was independently associated to more minimal pain. Concerning pain management side effects, the risk for drowsiness increased with longer time of surgery. Postoperative pain after HNC surgery is highly variable and seems often to be unnecessarily high. Many patients seem to receive less analgesia than needed or ineffective analgesic drug regimes.

Pain after pediatric otorhinolaryngologic surgery: a prospective multi-center trial

The purpose of this study was to describe postoperative pain within the first day after pediatric otorhinolaryngologic surgery and to identify factors influencing postoperative pain. Using a prospective evaluation and a Web-based multi-center registry, children ≥4 years of age (n = 365) rated their pain using questionnaires of the project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Treatment for Children including faces numeric rating scales (FNRS, 0-10) for the determination of patient's pain on ambulation and his/her maximal and minimal pain within 8 h after day case surgery or at the first postoperative day for inpatient cases. Additionally, functional interference and therapy-related side effects were assessed. Half of the children were 4 or 5 years of age. The predominant types of surgery were adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy ± ear ventilation tubes. Although analgesics were applied preoperatively, intraoperatively, in the recovery room and on ward, maximal pain within the first day after surgery reached 4.4 ± 3.3 (FNRS). Pain was highest after oral surgery, especially after tonsillectomy and nose surgery. 39% of the children reported pain interference with breathing (39%). The most frequent side effect was drowsiness (55%). Multivariate analysis revealed that maximal pain was independently associated with the non-standardized use of opioids in the recovery room, or use of non-opioid or opioids on ward. Analgesia and perioperative pain management in pediatric otorhinolaryngologic surgery seems to be highly variable. Tonsillectomy and nose surgery are very painful. After otorhinolaryngologic surgery many children seem to receive less analgesia than needed or ineffective analgesic drug regimes.

[IT-based clinical pathway as a routine tool in trauma surgery]

BACKGROUND

Today clinical pathways are established as a basis for the operational and organizational structure of surgical, interventional and conservative treatment in many hospitals. In our study we evaluate the establishment and systematic applicability of IT-based clinical pathways in a tertiary care facility.

METHODS

We evaluate and compare the treatment of coxarthrosis with hip joint endoprosthesis either following an IT-based clinical pathway or without clinical pathway.

RESULTS

All patients who had received a hip joint endoprosthesis from 1 January 2006 to 31 October 2009 were included. The duration of stay is significantly longer in the group without pathway. Furthermore there was a significant increase in the documentation of wound inspection after surgery in the "pathway patients". The preoperative urinalysis was done significantly more often in the pathway group.

CONCLUSION

IT-based clinical pathways are applicable for routine use in trauma departments. For certain surgical procedures they are a suitable management device, even in a tertiary care facility. Clinical pathways lead to an improved operational structure of medical treatment and moreover to a complete and continuous documentation through the electronic file.

[Postoperative pain assessment after middle ear surgery]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this work was to assess postoperative pain management after middle ear surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective clinical study, 73 adults were evaluated on the first postoperative day after middle ear surgery using the questionnaire of the Germany-wide project QUIPS (quality improvement in postoperative pain management). The main outcome measures were patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome, and pain therapy process parameters.

RESULTS

Overall, pain on the first postoperative day was mild. Pain management consisted predominately of premedication with midazolam, remifentanil intraoperatively, metamizole in the recovery room and on the ward. Otherwise healthy patients suffered significantly more from pain than patients with reduced general condition in univariate and multivariate analyses. About half of the patients demanded pain relief on the ward. Despite immediate pain management with nonopioids and/or opioids, these patients had significantly more maximal pain and were less satisfied with overall pain therapy than patients not demanding pain therapy.

DISCUSSION

QUIPS is a simple tool to evaluate the quality of in-hospital postoperative pain management following ear surgery. Pain on the first postoperative day seems to be moderate but should be improved for patients demanding more analgetics despite baseline pain therapy on the ward.

[Quality management in acute pain therapy: results from a survey of certified hospitals]

AIM

Systems for and methods of quality management are increasingly being implemented in public health services. The aim of our study was to analyze the current state of the integrated quality management concept "quality management acute pain therapy" of the TÜV Rheinland® (TÜV) after a 5-year project period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

General characteristics of the participating hospitals, number of departments certified by the TÜV and implementation of structures and processes according to the TÜV guidelines were evaluated by a mail questionnaire. Furthermore, positive and negative aspects concerning the effects of certification were evaluated by the hospitals' representatives of certification.

RESULTS

A total of 36 questionnaires were returned. Since 2006 the number of certified hospitals (2011: n = 48) and surgical departments (2011: n = 202) has increased continuously. The number of certified medical departments is low (2011: n = 39); however, in the last 3 years, it has increased by about 200-300% annually. Standard operative procedures for pain therapy and measurement of pain intensity at regular intervals were implemented in all certified clinics (100%). Although 41% take part in the benchmarking project QUIPS (Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Therapy), 24% do not systematically check the quality of the outcome of pain management. Acceptance of the new pain therapy concepts among nursing staff was rated positively (ratio positive:negative 16:1); however, acceptance among physicians was rated negatively (1:15).

CONCLUSION

Certification by the TÜV leads to sustainable implementation of quality management principles. Future efforts should focus on better integration of physicians in acute pain therapy and the development of an integrated tool to measure patients' outcome.

[Evaluation of the "initiative pain-free clinic" for quality improvement in postoperative pain management. A prospective controlled study]

AIM

Demonstration of improved postoperative pain management by implementation of the S3 guidelines on treatment of acute perioperative and posttraumatic pain, by the integrated quality management concept "quality management acute pain" of the TÜV Rheinland or by participation in the benchmark project "Quality improvement in postoperative pain management" (QUIPS).

METHODS

A prospective controlled study (pre-post design) was carried out in hospitals with various levels of care comparing three hospital groups (n = 17/7/3, respectively). Group 1: participation in the QUIPS project (intraclinic and interclinic comparison of outcome data of postoperative pain treatment), group 2: participation in the quality management acute pain program (certified by TÜV Rheinland), group 3: control group with no involvement in either of the two concepts. In all three groups, an anonymous data collection was performed consisting of patient-reported pain intensity, side effects, pain disability and patient satisfaction. Pain therapy intervention was carried out only in group 2 by an integrated quality management concept (certification project: Quality management acute pain) with a package of measures to improve structure, process and outcome quality.

RESULTS

The TÜV Rheinland certified clinics (group 2) showed a significant improvement in the pre-post comparison (before versus after certification) in the areas maximum pain (from visual analogue scale VAS 4.6 to 3.7), stress pain (5.3 to 3.9), pain-related impairment (proportion of patients with pain-linked decreased mobility and movement 26% to 16.1%, coughing and breathing 23.1% to 14.3%) and patient satisfaction (from 13.2 to 13.7; scale 0 completely unsatisfied, 15 very satisfied). The clinics with participation in QUIPS for 2 years also showed a significant improvement in stress pain (numeric rating scale NRS for pain 4.5 to 4.2), pain-linked-limitation of coughing and breathing (28% to 23.6%), and patient satisfaction (from 11.9 to 12.4). There were no differences in postoperative nausea and vomiting between any of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The main objective of the certification concept quality management acute pain as a tool for the successful implementation of the S3 guidelines on treatment of acute perioperative and posttraumatic pain, led to a significant improvement in patient outcome. Participation in QUIPS is an ideal supplement to TÜV Rheinland certification and can be recommended as a benchmarking tool to evaluate outcome.

Postoperative pain assessment after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic pansinusitis

Postoperative pain after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and its optimal management has not been described in detail. The objective was to evaluate pain, its influencing factors and its management on the first postoperative day following FESS. In a prospective case study, 101 FESS patients were examined after removal of the nasal packing within the Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS) project allowing a standardized assessment of patients' characteristics, pain parameters, outcome and process parameters. The influence of these parameters on the patients' postoperative pain was estimated by univariate and multivariate statistic analysis. Pain during the first postoperative day after FESS was moderate. Younger patients reported significantly more pain than did older patients. Specific counseling about the possibilities of postoperative pain management reduced pain intensity highly significantly in univariate and multivariate analysis. Patients demanding for pain relief in the recovery room and on the ward predominantly received acetaminophen as non-opioid and piritramide as opioid. This pain management was obviously insufficient as these patients still reported significantly more from pain on the first postoperative day than patients not demanding for pain relief. We conclude that QUIPS could help to optimize the quality of postoperative pain management following FESS.

Postoperative pain assessment after septorhinoplasty

Postoperative pain after septorhinoplasty and its optimal management has not been described in detail. Fifty-two adult septorhinoplasty patients were included in a prospective cohort single center study. Patients' and surgical characteristics were evaluated. Outcome and process parameters were analyzed using the questionnaires of the German-wide project Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management (QUIPS) on the first postoperative day. Pain during the first operative day after septorhinoplasty was moderate. Pain management predominately consisted of remifentanil intraoperatively, metamizole in the recovery room, in combination with piritramide in one-third of the patients, and metamizole on ward. Patients younger than 31 years were less satisfied with pain management (P = 0.018). Open rhinoplasty was associated with less satisfaction with pain management (P = 0.007). Use of rib grafts led to more mobility, breathing, sleeping and mood disturbances (P = 0.003, 0.047; 0.047; 0.022, respectively). Preoperative pain counseling was followed by higher satisfaction, less breathing and mood disturbances after surgery (P = 0.021; 0.004; 0.046, respectively). Opioids in the recovery room in addition to non-opioids and treatment with non-opioids on ward led to less maximal pain (P = 0.027 and 0.040, respectively). We conclude that QUIPS is an easy tool to evaluate the quality of postoperative pain management following rhinoplasty. Preoperative pain counseling, specific care for patients with rib grafts, consequent use of opioids in the recovery room in addition to non-opioids, and use of non-opioids on ward seem to be effective to improve pain management after septorhinoplasty.

[Quality of postoperative pain therapy in Austria: national survey of all departments of anesthesiology]

BACKGROUND

Despite increasingly sophisticated concepts of perioperative pain therapy, such as increased use of combined regional anesthesia techniques, the renaissance of ketamine and dipyrone or the use of oral opioids, no significant improvement has been achieved in postoperative pain therapy since 1995. About 300,000 of the approximately 700,000 patients undergoing major surgery each year in Austria experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the nationwide status of perioperative acute pain management in postoperative recovery rooms and surgical wards in order to identify potential areas for improvement.

METHODS

In 2006 the directors of all Austrian anesthesiology departments (n=125, 100%) were contacted and asked to give detailed information on the status of acute pain management of each individual hospital in Austria using a standardized questionnaire. Data of each individual department were derived from quality control and self-assessment of each department. No patients were questioned. The return rate was 96% (n=120) due to intensive personal contact in cases of missing data.

RESULTS

In this nationwide survey 120 anesthesiology departments participated together accounting for a total of 757,895 operations per year. Of the patients 63.6% were informed preoperatively on the available regimens of acute pain management. In 81% of patients perioperative pain therapy consisted of a multimodal therapeutic approach, 58.6% of the departments used international guidelines and 39.7% worked with international guidelines adapted to local requirements. In 88% of patients a detailed prescription for postoperative pain therapy was available when transferred to the surgical ward. Surgical wards were equipped with routine pain therapy protocols in 28% another 20% of wards had special pain therapy protocols for individual operations. In 22% of cases pain assessment was repeated 3-4 times per day and in 33.9% postoperative pain was assessed only once twice per day. Pain assessments were recorded in the patient charts in 60.7% of cases. If changes to the pain therapy regimen were required anesthesiologists were involved in only 14.3% of cases. In addition an acute pain service was available only in 39.2% of Austrian anesthesiology departments.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the multimodal approach to acute pain therapy is widely used and standardized therapeutic regimens are well established in the majority of anesthesiology and surgical wards, there still remains room for improvement. Pain assessment is generally barely adequate and written documentation of pain assessment is missing almost completely. In addition, almost two thirds of hospitals in Austria are still lacking an acute pain service.

[Health services research project "action alliance pain-free city Münster" : Objectives and methods]

Inadequate pain care in health care facilities is still a major concern. Due to structural and organizational shortcomings the potential of modern analgesia is far from being exhausted. The project "Action Alliance Pain-free City Münster" is designed to analyze the multiprofessional pain management in health care facilities in the model City of Münster in an epidemiologic study and aims to optimize pain management in accordance with nursing standards and medical guidelines. Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient nursing services, hospices and pain care centers will be examined. After an analysis of the current state on the basis of a pre-test, the necessary optimization measures will be developed and implemented. Subsequently, the pain management will be reevaluated in a post-test. In partly still unexplored health care areas of Germany, epidemiologic data will be generated, barriers to the implementation of standards and guidelines revealed and measures of improvements developed and tested. In addition, interface problems between the evaluated sectors will be identified. In this article the objective and the methods of the project are described.

Continuous local analgesic therapy reduces pain after radical inguinal/iliacal lymph node dissection

BACKGROUND

To optimize postoperative pain therapy after a radical inguinal/iliacal lymph node dissection (RILND), we investigated the influence of a continuous application of a local anaesthetic via a subfascial wound catheter in the abdominal wall in addition to a standardized systemic analgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2007 and December 2009, 50 patients with stage III/IV of melanoma disease received, in an observational study, a systemic analgesic therapy. Of these patients, 30 were additionally treated with a subfascial catheter. Main outcome criterion was the pain under mobilisation at the first postoperative morning registered via a visual analogue score. Minor criteria were the analgesic requirement, the specific (surgical) complications and the day of discharge.

RESULTS

Patients treated with the subfascial catheter had significant less pain at the first postoperative morning in rest (p = 0.02) and after mobilisation (p = 0.03) without increased morbidity (p = 0.45). Less patients of the treatment group needed a supplementary analgesic medication (p = 0.01) and were able to leave hospital earlier than patients of the control group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A subfascially placed pain catheter enhances postoperative pain therapy after RILND.

The quality of pain management in German hospitals

BACKGROUND

The Pain-Free Hospital Project was initiated in 2003 with the aim of improving pain management throughout Germany. We assessed the current state of pain management in German hospitals.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2006, data were obtained anonymously from 2252 patients who had undergone surgery, and 999 who had been treated non-surgically, in a total of 25 hospitals. They were interviewed about the intensity of pain they had experienced and about the effectiveness of its treatment.

RESULTS

No pain at all was reported by 12.4% of patients who had undergone surgery and by 16.7% of the non-surgically treated patients. Moderate to severe pain at rest was reported by 29.5% of the surgical group and 36.8% of the non-surgical group. More than 50% of the overall group reported pain on movement. 55% of the surgical group, and 57% of the non-surgical group, were dissatisfied with their pain management. Peak pain tended to occur outside normal working hours. No analgesic treatment at all was given to 39% of patients in the non-surgical group, even though they were in pain; the corresponding figure for the surgical group was 15% (a significant difference, p<0.001). Inadequately effective pain management was reported by 45.6% of patients in the non-surgical group and 29.6% in the operative group (again, a significant difference. Cancer patients were treated more often with potent opioids.

CONCLUSION

Severe postoperative pain is still too common among hospitalized patients, particularly pain that is induced by movement. Patients being treated on non-surgical wards also often suffer severe pain needlessly. Pain management seems to be worse for non-surgical patients (cancer patients excepted) than for surgical patients: waiting times for medication are longer, and ineffective medications are given more often. On the other hand, a number of hospitals provide positive examples of the potential effectiveness of pain management for both surgical and non-surgical patients.

[Implementation of standardized postoperative pain therapy for orthopaedic patients. Comparison between unsystematic and standardized pain therapy]

BACKGROUND

The painless clinic and postoperative pain therapy are currently major issues in the management of surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of a standardized pain therapy on the postoperative pain level after orthopaedic procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated two different groups of patients who underwent an orthopaedic surgical procedure. Group 1 (n = 249) received a pain therapy which was based on an individual and surgery-dependent concept whereas group 2 (n = 243) was treated with a standardized pain therapy concept. The effect of the treatment was monitored with a VAS-based protocol.

RESULTS

Up to day 9 after surgery there was a significant difference between the two groups in regard to the postoperative pain. The patients of group 2 had less pain but had more unwanted side effects caused by the pain therapy during the first 3 days after surgery. Mobility and mental disposition were positively affected.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of a standardized pain therapy is successful in reducing postoperative pain. Mobility and mental disposition are also influenced positively. As a consequence the incidence of unwanted side effects is rising.

[Organisation of acute pain therapy]

Orthopaedic and traumatized patients often suffer from severe pain after surgery or trauma. Their early recovery also depends on an efficient acute pain relief based on a combination of systemic medication, local drug application and physical therapy. In 2007, new guidelines for the treatment of perioperative and traumatic pain were published. Based on these guidelines standard operating procedures for each hospital should be developed and implemented. Courses on analgesic concepts should be offered regularly for the involved staff. It is helpful to establish an acute pain service for daily rounds and documentation. The individual patient should be informed about his specific acute pain therapy before the operation. Pain scores should be frequently documented by the patient.

[Postoperative pain after ambulatory surgery]

BACKGROUND

Outpatient surgeons were surveyed about the quality of postoperative pain therapy after outpatient interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 2,317 outpatient surgeons who received a questionnaire by mail, 419 responded. The return rate was 18.1%. The questionnaire collected data on the operative procedures and methods of anesthesia from 2004 and the analgesics, which were applied in the immediate postoperative period and at home. Methods and contents of quality control were registered.

RESULTS

The respondents indicated that the person responsible for the pain therapy was the surgeon in 74% of the practices, the anesthesiologist in 16%, and both in 10%. The drugs used in the practice were: novaminsulfone (34%), NSAIDs (28%), and opioids (36%). The drugs used for at-home care were: NSAIDs (58%), opioids (43%), novaminsulfone (32%), and mixed analgesics (28%). No analgesics were given by 6%, and 21% prescribed a supplementary antiemetic. Routine pain measurement was performed with pain scales in only 11% of the practices; among the certified practices, 48% performed pain measurement for quality control. Ninety-five percent of the surgeons were satisfied with the pain therapy.

CONCLUSION

This survey shows that the guidelines for acute pain therapy (http://www.awmf.de ) are only partially implemented.

A patient-based national survey on postoperative pain management in France reveals significant achievements and persistent challenges

We carried out a national survey on postoperative pain (POP) management in a representative sample (public/private, teaching/non-teaching, size) of 76 surgical centers in France. Based on medical records and questionnaires, we evaluated adult patients 24h after surgery, concerning information: pre and postoperative pain, evaluation, treatment and side effects. A local consultant provided information about POP management. Data were recorded for 1900 adult patients, 69.3% of whom remembered information on POP. Information was mainly delivered orally (90.3%) and rarely noted on the patient's chart (18.2%). Written evaluations of POP were frequent on the ward (93.7%) with appropriate intervals (4.1 (4.0)h), but not frequently prescribed (32.7%). Pain evaluations were based on visual analog scale (21.1%), numerical scale (41.2%), verbal scale (13.8%) or non-numerical tool (24%). Pain was rarely a criterion for recovery room discharge (19.8%). Reported POP was mild at rest (2.7 (1.3)), moderate during movement (4.9 (1.9)) and intense at its maximal level (6.4 (2.0)). Incidence of side effects was similar according to patient (26.4%) or medical chart (25.1%) including mostly nausea and vomiting (83.3%). Analgesia was frequently initiated during anesthesia (63.6%). Patient-controlled analgesia (21.4%) was used less frequently than subcutaneous morphine (35.1%) whose prescription frequently did not follow guidelines. Non-opioid analgesics used included paracetamol (90.3%), ketoprofen (48.5%) and nefopam (21.4%). Epidural (1.5%) and peripheral (4.7%) nerve blocks were under used. Evaluation (63.4%) or treatment (74.1%) protocols were not available for all patients. This national, prospective, patient-based, survey reveals both progress and persistent challenges in POP management.

Postoperative Analgesic THerapy Observational Survey (PATHOS): a practice pattern study in 7 central/southern European countries

Surveys evaluating pain in hospitals keep on showing that postoperative pain (POP) remains undertreated. At the time when guidelines are edited and organisational changes are implemented, more recent data are necessary to check the impact of these measures on daily practice and needs for improvement. This prospective, cross-sectional, observational, multi-centre practice survey was performed in 2004-2005 in 7 European countries. It was conducted in surgical wards of a randomised sample of hospitals. Data on POP management practices following surgery in adult in-patients were collected anonymously via a standardised multiple choice questionnaire. Among 1558 questionnaires received from 746 European hospitals, 59% were provided by anaesthetists and 41% by surgeons. There are no regular on-site staff training programmes on POP management in the institution for 34% of the respondents, patients are systematically provided with POP information before surgery for 48% of respondents; balanced analgesia following major surgery and regular administration of analgesics are largely used; 25% of respondents have specific written POP management protocols for all patients in their ward; 34% of respondents say that pain is not assessed and 44% say that pain scores are documented in the patient's chart. This largest ever performed survey confirms the extensive body of evidence that current POP management remains suboptimal and identifies needs for improvement on European surgical wards. However, the wide use of balanced analgesia and the regular administration of analgesics are indicators of ongoing change.

[Current operative strategies for rotator cuff tears in German hospitals]

The surgical treatment of rotator cuff lesions is still a controversial subject. We therefore decided to perform a study designed to yield an overview of the treatment modalities currently applied in Germany. A nationwide questionnaire survey was sent to 470 orthopaedic and trauma departments to ask about their surgical treatment of rotator cuff lesions: frequency of operative treatment, methods used in diagnosis and types of operative treatment; particular attention was paid to the application of minimally invasive techniques and to postoperative rehabilitation. The response rate was 55%. In all, 30,462 arthroscopic treatments were recorded for the year 2004, 9,094 of which were open or mini-open techniques and 2,528 were endoscopic reconstructions of the rotator cuff. Overall, we found that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was performed in only 111 of the 257 departments from which responses were received and that the majority of surgeons preferred to use sutured and nonresorbable anchors. The postoperative treatment varies widely, from the full range of motion allowed within the first postoperative week to substantially more restrictive regimens. We see that the arthroscopic repair is still not the standard treatment for rotator cuff lesions in Germany. Further research is clearly still needed especially in the area of postoperative treatment.

[The value of regional and general anaesthesia in orthopaedic surgery]

Adequate postoperative pain management is of major importance for a short rehabilitation time after painful orthopaedic surgery. Multimodal pathways have been established to achieve a surgical patient free of pain and complications. Peripheral and central nerve blocks are a fundamental part of these interdisciplinary strategies and are already implemented in orthopaedic surgical care. This article summarises the value of special anaesthetic techniques, especially regional anaesthesia, in orthopaedic surgery and discusses their impact on several postoperative outcome goals.

Current practices for postoperative pain management in Europe and the potential role of the fentanyl HCl iontophoretic transdermal system

Survey results continue to reveal that postoperative pain is insufficiently managed throughout Europe and the rest of the world. However, the efficient use of existing resources, as well as the introduction of novel technologies, may aid in its improvement. Use of an acute pain service has the potential to improve pain management through specialized patient care and utilization of effective analgesic techniques. Multimodal analgesic techniques, which include adjuvant non-opioids and/or regional analgesic techniques, can provide effective analgesia and reduce the amount of systemic opioids (or obviate the need) for postoperative pain management. Patient-controlled analgesia modalities may also offer improvements to pain management, as in practice they provide pain relief superior to the intermittent administration of bolus doses of opioids. A novel patient-controlled analgesia modality that has been approved by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of acute, moderate-to-severe pain is the needle-free, pre-programmed fentanyl HCl iontophoretic transdermal system. This system was shown in a recent US clinical trial to be comparable in efficacy to a standard regimen of morphine intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Adverse events associated with the use of the fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system are generally similar to those experienced by patients using intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia. Considerations regarding the selection of patients for treatment with the fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system are similar to those with other patient-controlled analgesia modalities; sufficient upper limb mobility and alertness are required to operate the system. Utilization of the fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system, together with the guidance of an effective acute pain service, may lead to improvements in postoperative pain management.

[Postoperative pain relief is an important factor for the patients' selection of a clinic. Results of an anonymous survey]

AIM

The aim of the survey was to elucidate the significance of postoperative pain therapy for the patient and its influence on the choice of hospital.

METHODS

This prospective, anonymous survey of consecutive patients in a general surgical clinic was performed by an independent study nurse.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were included; 90% of the surgical patients considered "good pain therapy" as a highly important factor, and three of four patients would admit themselves more likely to a clinic well known for "good pain therapy." If the patients could choose their hospital, factors such as "medical care by the physicians" are most important (rank 1; rank 1 most important, rank 10 most unimportant) followed by quality of "nursing care" (mean rank 2.6) and "good pain therapy" (mean rank 3.6). Older patients (> or = 60 years) preferred a hospital with known "good pain therapy" more often for surgical therapy than younger patients (< 60 years).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that postoperative pain relief is an important factor for the patients' selection of a clinic and is influenced by an age of > or = 60 years.

[Dealing with the medicine of deceased hospice clients in Germany]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

German hospices are subject to a special law on homes. This makes sure that patients' medicine is stored individually. It has to be immediately destroyed when they have died and is not allowed to be used for other patients. This is controlled by a public authority for narcotics. We interviewed German hospices by questionnaire to find out how they deal with this problem.

METHODS

A questionnaire with ten items about the care situation and pain therapy was sent to all adult hospices.

RESULTS

Of the 101 hospices approached, 54 replied. On average 101 guests were cared for per hospice in 2003, and the average duration was 23 days; 49% used an official solution in accordance with the relevant authorities and 87% an unofficial solution. In 32 (59%) pain measurement was documented by a pain scale (VAS), 67% used a general documentation, and in one case pain measurement was not documented at all.

DISCUSSION

Even if 49% of the hospices used an official regulation, 87% used an internal solution. This is economically understandable because the cost of destroyed medicine is estimated at more than 100 Euro/patient. Delayed treatment causing intense pain can occur due to incorrect keeping of medicine pools. Destroying medicine is inconsistent with an economic framework.

CONCLUSION

In compliance with a comprehensible documentation and with the consent of the client or heir, the passing on of medicine should be made possible. The Ministry of Health from NRW is in agreement with this.

Pain prevalence in hospitalized patients in a German university teaching hospital

Forty-eight units were enrolled in a descriptive, cross-sectional study to identify strengths and weaknesses of pain management in a German university teaching hospital. Patients had to be > or =18 years old and able to speak German; intensive care, psychiatric, obstetric and pediatric units were excluded. Structured interviews were conducted by an independent researcher not involved in patient care. Patients were asked about prevalence of pain during the interview at rest, on movement, and during the 24 hours before the interview; patients rated pain intensity at rest and on movement as well as the worst pain 24 hours before the interview by using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). In addition, patients indicated localization, duration, and causes of pain. Chart analysis was carried out to check for pain medication, ICD-10 diagnoses, and demographic data. To evaluate the adequacy of pain management, the Pain Management Index (PMI) was assessed. A total of 561 of the 825 inpatients who were contacted participated in the study. Fifty percent experienced pain during the interview and 63% reported pain during the preceding 24 hours. Fifty-eight percent had moderate or severe pain (VAS > or = 45 mm) and 36% reported severe pain (VAS > or = 65 mm). Thirty-three percent had pain for more than six months. The most prevalent localization of the strongest pain was in the lower extremities (20%). Fifty percent of patients with pain received pain medication. Patients on the surgical wards (P = 0.002) and those having severe pain (P < 0.001) were more likely to get analgesics. However, 30% of those with VAS> or =65 mm received no analgesic and only 24% had adequate medication. A negative PMI, indicating inadequate pain therapy, was found in 44% (246/559) of the sample. Sex and age did not influence pain prevalence, pain intensity, or pain therapy. Pain prevalence and intensity in this German university hospital were high and pain therapy was inadequate in many cases. Pain management needs to be improved by continuous assessment and adequate pain medication.

[Organization model for postoperative pain management in a basic-care hospital]

Small hospitals often lack the financial and personnel resources to realize innovative postoperative pain management concepts. This is not-as shown here-an absolute contradiction. The regular measurement of pain and its documentation by ward nurses as well as the appropriate prescription of analgesics play a key role in our concept. The joint establishment of guidelines, information sessions and the on-going dialog between the various professional groups guarantees the necessary consensus of all specialists involved in postoperative pain control. If an anesthetist is available 24 h a day, a nurse-based acute pain service (APS) becomes available for managing patients with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) systems. The use of PCA and the performance of pain visits at regular intervals increase patient comfort and satisfaction. In addition, it can contribute to reduced hospitalization time in the context of fast-track rehabilitation programs. In our opinion, embedding the measures in a quality management program has a valuable catalytic effect, although implementation takes at least 1-2 years.

Qualitätsmanagement der postoperativen Schmerztherapie

BACKGROUND

A main target of surgical treatment is to minimize postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of quality management on postoperative pain and to improve pain therapy.

METHODS

In a prospective study, postoperative pain was recorded in a total of 700 patients in a general and visceral surgical ward in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Pain was measured on a ten-point visual analogue scale (0 no pain, 10 most severe pain).

RESULTS

Applying the principles of quality management (plan, do, check, act), we analyzed the reasons for high pain scores in detail. After study of the results in 2000, additional recommendations and guidelines for perioperative pain therapy were provided to all the physicians, and the mean visual analogue pain scores decreased by 15% in 2001 and more than 30% in 2002. At baseline, 12% of patients had pain above the threshold of 3 at rest and 5 in motion. These scores could be reduced to 6% and 3% in the two successive years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A simple pain management system in a general surgical ward led to considerable improvement in postoperative pain scores as assessed by visual analogue scale.