Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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This study was performed to compare the perfusion index (PI) between affected and unaffected limbs in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS); it also evaluated the usefulness of the PI for monitoring the response to intravenous ketamine infusion therapy in such patients. ⋯ The PI significantly differed between affected and unaffected limbs in patients with CRPS. The PI may be useful for monitoring the response to intravenous ketamine therapy in patients with CRPS.
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Fulfilling educational needs in pain management should be a lifelong process, even involving physicians board certified in pain medicine such as the anesthesiologists/pain therapists. The aim of the study was to investigate Italian anesthesiologists' self-perceived competency, confidence, and interest to attend educational programs in relation to their seniority in pain management. ⋯ This work provides first evidence of a summative assessment of competency and related educational needs' profile of anesthesiologists/pain therapists thus paving the way for developing a nationwide educational program to improve chronic pain care in Italy.