W. Meißner

Qualitätsverbesserung in der postoperativen Schmerztherapie

Despite the availability of high-quality guidelines and advanced pain management techniques acute postoperative pain management is still far from being satisfactory. The QUIPS (Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management) project aims to improve treatment quality by means of standardised data acquisition, analysis of quality and process indicators, and feedback and benchmarking. During a pilot phase funded by the German Ministry of Health (BMG), a total of 12,389 data sets were collected from six participating hospitals. Outcome improved in four of the six hospitals. Process indicators, such as routine pain documentation, were only poorly correlated with outcomes. To date, more than 130 German hospitals use QUIPS as a routine quality management tool. An EC-funded parallel project disseminates the concept internationally. QUIPS demonstrates that patient-reported outcomes in postoperative pain management can be benchmarked in routine clinical practice. Quality improvement initiatives should use outcome instead of structural and process parameters. The concept is transferable to other fields of medicine.

Was ist Schmerztherapie im „German refined – diagnosis related groups-System“ wert?

ZusammenfassungDie Einführung des „German refined – diagnosis related groups- (G-DRG-)Systems“ startete zum 01.01.2003 zunächst auf freiwilliger Basis (Optionsjahr); am 01.01.2004 wurde die Anwendung der DRG-Abrechnung für den Bereich der stationären Krankenversorgung verbindlich. Die Möglichkeit einer Abbildung von akuter und chronischer Schmerztherapie in das DRG-System war anfangs rudimentär und logisch nicht durchdacht, eine ressourcengerechte Erlöszuordnung systembedingt nicht möglich. Durch die Weiterentwicklung des G-DRG-Systems konnte in einigen Bereichen schmerztherapeutischer Versorgung eine Verbesserung erzielt werden; andere Bereiche bleiben bis heute unbefriedigend abgebildet. Der folgende Artikel bietet dem Leser eine zusammenfassende Übersicht über die zugrunde liegende DRG-Systematik und Berücksichtigung von chronischer sowie aktueller Schmerztherapie im DRG-System 2006. Neben der Information über die bereits zur Verfügung stehenden Möglichkeiten einer DRG-konformen schmerztherapeutischen Kodierung wird insbesondere auf die noch ausstehenden Aufgaben hingewiesen.AbstractThe German refined diagnosis-related-groups (G-DRG) system was introduced on 1st January 2003, initially on a voluntary basis and on 1st January 2004 the use of a G-DRG costing for stationary hospital treatment became obligatory. The possibility of a description of acute and chronic pain therapy in the G-DRG system was initially rudimentary and not logically planned and also a fair allotment of proceeds according to resources was not possible. By further development of the G-DRG system, pain therapeutic treatment could be improved in some areas, but in others it still remains unsatisfactory. This article offers a summary of the underlying systematics of the G-DRG system and consideration of chronic and current pain therapy in the G-DRG system 2006. In addition to information on currently available possibilities of a pain therapeutical coding in conformation with the G-DRG system, the tasks which are still outstanding will be outlined.

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

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).

Metamizole/dipyrone for the relief of cancer pain: A systematic review and evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

Background: Dipyrone (metamizole) is one of the most widely used non-opioid analgesics for the treatment of cancer pain. Aim: Because evidence-based recommendations are not yet available, a systematic review was conducted for the German Guideline Program in Oncology to provide recommendations for the use of dipyrone in cancer pain. Design: First, a systematic review for clinical trials assessing dipyrone in adult patients with cancer pain was conducted. Endpoints were pain intensity, opioid-sparing effects, safety, and quality of life. Data sources: The search was performed in MedLine, Embase (via Ovid), and the Cochrane Library (1948–2013) and additional hand search was conducted. Finally, recommendations were developed and agreed in a formal structured consensus process by 53 representatives of scientific medical societies and 49 experts. Results: Of 177 retrieved studies, 4 could be included (3 randomized controlled trials and 1 cohort study, n = 252 patients): dipyrone significantly decreased pain intensity compared to placebo, even if low doses (1.5–2 g/day) were used. Higher doses (3 × 2 g/day) were more effective than low doses (3 × 1 g/day), but equally effective as 60 mg oral morphine/day. Pain reduction of dipyrone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not differ significantly. Compared to placebo, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and morphine, the incidence of adverse effects was not increased. Conclusion: Dipyrone can be recommended for the treatment of cancer pain as an alternative to other non-opioids either alone or in combination with opioids. It can be preferred over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to the presumably favorable side effect profile in long-term use, but comparative studies are not available for long-term use.

Misuse of opioid analgesics. An internet analysis

Apart from the prescribed administration and indications for pain relief, opioids are also used for unintended purposes. Information for misuse is circulated on the internet. In order to analyze the abuse of opioids and opiates,which are only available by prescription, defined search keywords were entered into the search engine of a German language internet forum on drugs in 2010 and 2013 and the results were evaluated. Items to be assessed and analyzed were the frequency of naming various substances and (in the first analysis only) aspects of their incorporation as well as user reports on various aspects of use (e.g. drug procurement, administration, effects and side effects). Tramadol was the most frequently quoted opioid followed by codeine, tilidine, morphine and oxycodone. Other opioids were named in only 10 % of the entries. Oral intake was the most frequently mentioned mode of administration followed by parenteral and nasal routes. These findings can support caregivers to identify unintended use of opioids and to increase awareness of the most frequently used opioids and modes of administration.

Missbrauch von Opioidanalgetika

Apart from the prescribed administration and indications for pain relief, opioids are also used for unintended purposes. Information for misuse is circulated on the internet. In order to analyze the abuse of opioids and opiates,which are only available by prescription, defined search keywords were entered into the search engine of a German language internet forum on drugs in 2010 and 2013 and the results were evaluated. Items to be assessed and analyzed were the frequency of naming various substances and (in the first analysis only) aspects of their incorporation as well as user reports on various aspects of use (e.g. drug procurement, administration, effects and side effects). Tramadol was the most frequently quoted opioid followed by codeine, tilidine, morphine and oxycodone. Other opioids were named in only 10 % of the entries. Oral intake was the most frequently mentioned mode of administration followed by parenteral and nasal routes. These findings can support caregivers to identify unintended use of opioids and to increase awareness of the most frequently used opioids and modes of administration.

Akutschmerztherapie in deutschen Krankenhäusern als Wettbewerbsfaktor

BACKGROUND Due to the implementation of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system, the competitive pressure on German hospitals increased. In this context it has been shown that acute pain management offers economic benefits for hospitals. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the competitive situation, the ownership and the economic resources required on structures and processes for acute pain management. MATERIAL AND METHODS A standardized questionnaire on structures and processes of acute pain management was mailed to the 885 directors of German departments of anesthesiology listed as members of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin). RESULTS For most hospitals a strong regional competition existed; however, this parameter affected neither the implementation of structures nor the recommended treatment processes for pain therapy. In contrast, a clear preference for hospitals in private ownership to use the benchmarking tool QUIPS (quality improvement in postoperative pain therapy) was found. These hospitals also presented information on coping with the management of pain in the corporate clinic mission statement more often and published information about the quality of acute pain management in the quality reports more frequently. No differences were found between hospitals with different forms of ownership in the implementation of acute pain services, quality circles, expert standard pain management and the implementation of recommended processes. Hospitals with a higher case mix index (CMI) had a certified acute pain management more often. The corporate mission statement of these hospitals also contained information on how to cope with pain, presentation of the quality of pain management in the quality report, implementation of quality circles and the implementation of the expert standard pain management more frequently. There were no differences in the frequency of using the benchmarking tool QUIPS or the implementation of recommended treatment processes with respect to the CMI. CONCLUSION In this survey no effect of the competitive situation of hospitals on acute pain management could be demonstrated. Private ownership and a higher CMI were more often associated with structures of acute pain management which were publicly accessible in terms of hospital marketing.

Acute pain therapy in German hospitals as competitive factor : Do competition, ownership and case severity influence the practice of acute pain therapy?

BACKGROUND Due to the implementation of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system, the competitive pressure on German hospitals increased. In this context it has been shown that acute pain management offers economic benefits for hospitals. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the competitive situation, the ownership and the economic resources required on structures and processes for acute pain management. MATERIAL AND METHODS A standardized questionnaire on structures and processes of acute pain management was mailed to the 885 directors of German departments of anesthesiology listed as members of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin). RESULTS For most hospitals a strong regional competition existed; however, this parameter affected neither the implementation of structures nor the recommended treatment processes for pain therapy. In contrast, a clear preference for hospitals in private ownership to use the benchmarking tool QUIPS (quality improvement in postoperative pain therapy) was found. These hospitals also presented information on coping with the management of pain in the corporate clinic mission statement more often and published information about the quality of acute pain management in the quality reports more frequently. No differences were found between hospitals with different forms of ownership in the implementation of acute pain services, quality circles, expert standard pain management and the implementation of recommended processes. Hospitals with a higher case mix index (CMI) had a certified acute pain management more often. The corporate mission statement of these hospitals also contained information on how to cope with pain, presentation of the quality of pain management in the quality report, implementation of quality circles and the implementation of the expert standard pain management more frequently. There were no differences in the frequency of using the benchmarking tool QUIPS or the implementation of recommended treatment processes with respect to the CMI. CONCLUSION In this survey no effect of the competitive situation of hospitals on acute pain management could be demonstrated. Private ownership and a higher CMI were more often associated with structures of acute pain management which were publicly accessible in terms of hospital marketing.

Behandlungsstandards in der postoperativen Akutschmerztherapie

BACKGROUND Standardized treatment approaches can improve the quality of the management of acute postoperative pain. AIM The purpose of this study was to describe the content and structure of currently implemented standards for the management of acute postoperative pain in German hospitals and to better define the concept of a treatment standard for acute pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Written standardized treatment protocols from 68 hospitals for the management of acute postoperative pain were analyzed. The evaluation was based on the layout of processes, the baseline and rescue or on-demand analgesic medication and safety mechanisms. RESULTS A treatment standard per hospital separated for adults (68 standards) and children (27 standards) was identified and analyzed. A baseline medication was provided in all standards for adults and in 89% for children. Of the 95 standards 68% routinely combined opioids and non-opioids as a basis (78% for adults and 42% for children). A way to adapt the baseline medication was described more often in standards for adults. Of the standards for adults 91% (85% for children) contained provisions for rescue or on-demand analgesia and half of them (both adults and children) included an immediate-release opioid formulation, which was readily available. For adults the availability was regulated by a predefined process in 29% of the standards (8% for children). In cases of persisting pain, repetition of the rescue medication was generally possible in 63% of adult standards (54% for children) but within 1 h after the first dose in only 43% (30% for children). Intervention limitations for application of the rescue medication (e.g., a defined score on the numeric rating scale) were set in 63% of adult standards (54% for children). A follow-up assessment of the pain intensity after a rescue medication was only required in approximately half of the standards and safety information or mechanisms were only rarely included. CONCLUSION Content, structure and type of the evaluated treatment standards showed a considerable heterogeneity with respect to the availability of rescue and baseline medication. Safety aspects were not addressed in many cases. These findings show that despite the requirements of the German guidelines for treatment of perioperative and posttraumatic pain for treatment standards, there are still no practical recommendations with respect to contents and structure of such standards.

Pain management in urology

This article reviews aspects of postoperative and chronic pain management in urology patients. Continuous epidural techniques are recommended for extensive retroperitoneal und transperitoneal surgery due to its excellent analgesia and facilitation of enhanced recovery. In patients without regional analgesia techniques, intravenous or oral non-opioid analgesics should be combined with titration of fast acting opioids on an as-needed basis. Oral slow-release opioids are increasingly being used as part of systemic pain management although little evidence exists. Local wound infiltration and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment are simple and effective supplements for postoperative pain management. In 70-90% of urological cancer patients pain can be adequately relieved by consistent adherence to the WHO cancer pain recommendations. Additional pain relief approaches, such as radiation as well as psychosocial and spiritual needs of these patients have to be considered. In long-term treatment of non-cancer pain, effective use of opioids is not evidence-based. These patients often benefit from multimodal, interdisciplinary pain management comprising psychological and educational approaches as well as activating physiotherapy.