Structure of outpatient pain therapy in Germany. Results of a survey

Every physician should be able to treat pain regardless of the specialty, but patients with a risk of chronification or chronic pain should receive care from specialized physicians and non-medical professionals. Specialized pain treatment is an additional qualification in Germany, which may be achieved in different specialties by defined structure criteria and experience. The German Society for the Study of Pain and the Professional Association of the German Society of Anesthetists conducted a survey on specialized outpatient pain treatment settings in Germany, encompassing personal and technical equipment, procedures and interdisciplinary multi-professional cooperation. The survey showed a clear increase in the number of pain treatment settings compared to previous surveys, but with a huge span from small single practice or outpatient services at hospitals to large specialized hospitals. However, the quality criteria suggested by the pain treatment societies were not always met. Treatment options for patients with a risk of chronification and chronic pain show regional variations and are insufficiently developed.