Der Schmerz
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The intensity of pain cannot be measured directly but can only be described subjectively. This obviously complicates the assessment especially in the younger age group. Pain evaluation and documentation are essential for good results in pain therapy. ⋯ In neonates and children up to 4 years of age, standardized scales have been developed for observation of their activities. Children in the age group 4-6 years old are able to communicate about pain. At this age self-report scales can be used to assess pain sensations."Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management in Infants" (QUIPSInfant) represents a new tool for pediatric outcome evaluation, consisting of standardized data acquisition of outcome and process quality indicators.
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Postoperative pain assessment in children with cognitive impairment poses major challenges to healthcare professionals. Children with moderate to severe cognitive impairment are generally unable to communicate effectively and to self-report the level of pain. Difficulties assessing pain have led to their exclusion from clinical trials and rendered them vulnerable to insufficient treatment of pain. ⋯ Scales based on a child's own perception of pain and its severity play a limited role in this vulnerable population and pain assessment tools which rely on observing pain behavior are essential. The r-FLACC, which is reliable and valid, includes specific behavioral descriptors and can be used simply and effectively postoperatively in clinical practice. Our task has to be assessing pain as a routine procedure in cognitively impaired children as a keystone for an improved and successful pain management in this very sensitive patient population.
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The effect of interdisciplinary multimodal therapy of chronic back pain is well documented. With elapsing time changing diagnostic focuses, therapeutic strategies and objectives have to be considered. ⋯ The requirement of a rational causal therapy in chronic back pain still remains but the focal points shift to the consideration of somatic, psychological and social disposing and supporting factors. The aim of this paper is to reflect the necessary orthopedic expertise in the context of the pathomechanics of chronic back pain and the interdisciplinary teamwork.
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There is evidence on the importance of fear avoidance beliefs (FAB) as prognostic risk factors in elderly patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, so far there is no validated German instrument for measuring FAB in elderly CLBP patients. The aim of the study presented was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Catastrophizing Avoidance Scale D-65+ (CAS-D-65+) within a population of elderly patients with CLBP. ⋯ As shown in this study the CAS-D-65+ is a reliable and a valid instrument for the assessment of FAB in older patients with CLBP.
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Comparative Study
[Back pain and social status among the working population: what is the association? Results from a German general population survey].
Little empirical evidence is available on differential associations between social status indicators and back pain in Germany. This study therefore systematically evaluated associations between different indicators of social status and back pain. ⋯ Back pain cannot generally be regarded as a symptom of a low social status. However, social inequality is of major importance regarding the prediction of severe back problems. A better understanding of mediating factors is essential for the prevention and therapy.