Der Schmerz
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Pain is one of the most common reasons for consulting a physician. Chronic pain patients often suffer from a variety of comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety and they are therefore often simultaneously treated with more than one drug. The probability of drug interactions increases with every additional drug. ⋯ Many drug interactions can be avoided by careful and continuous evaluation of pharmacotherapy and if necessary its adaptation; however, a sound knowledge of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and the properties of currently used analgesics is necessary.
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In a survey of all adult inpatients at the Wilhelminen Hospital in Vienna and the Klagenfurt Clinic on Lake Wörthersee, data on pain prevalence, the most frequent sites of pain, pain intensity, pain type, effect of pain on patients, pain evaluation on the various wards, pain precipitating factors, and patient satisfaction were collected. ⋯ Overall, it was demonstrated that the majority of patients at both hospitals were satisfied with the pain management. However, pain management in conservative treatment disciplines must not be neglected. More intense current pain, a worse quality of life, and a trend toward lower patient satisfaction indicate that analgesic treatment in nonsurgical disciplines should be optimized.