Der Schmerz
-
Chronic pain affects an enormous number of patients in Germany. Therefore, early detection is important using easy, quick and reasonable screening methods. The avoidance-endurance fast screen is currently available in two different versions: one asking for pain-related behaviour in light and severe pain and the other assessing overall severe pain-related behaviour. In this study we aim to examine the agreement between both scales and for the first time describe the role of protective psychological features such as resilience and self-compassion in this model. ⋯ Based on the results of this study, the quality of agreement between the two AEFS versions is considered strong. Without the comparison between mild and strong pain, endurance behaviour was reported more often. According to these findings, overestimation of pain persistence behaviour using the one-level version might result. Therefore, future studies should re-evaluate the cut-offs. As reported in previous studies, protective psychological features showed the highest scores in the eustress-endurance subgroup.
-
Chronic pain requires graduated and staged levels of care. The aim of this study is to provide a regional overview regarding the accessibility of specialized outpatient and (partial) inpatient pain medicine care from the patient's perspective in Germany. ⋯ The results show relevant nationwide differences in the accessibility of facilities for specialized pain treatment depending on the place of residence. Considering the treatment of a chronic condition with long-term therapeutic goals and the need for graduated care (outpatient and inpatient treatment), the results reveal a partly critical situation from the patient's perspective.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic led to significantly restricted access to pain medicine services. Patients with cancer-related pain are considered a vulnerable group in terms of care deficits. A questionnaire among providers providing treatment to this group was used to assess limitations and solutions in this critical situation. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic revealed numerous deficits in the care of patients with cancer-related pain, as well as burdens on healthcare providers. The development of new concepts could help to ensure better care in future crisis situations.
-
Treatment of sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation can be surgical or conservative. Conservative management has been described to be effective in 90% of patients; however, in most studies no consistent treatment concept was used. ⋯ The combined nonsurgical operative treatment program is effective and well tolerated.