Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients (revised version 2019)

• Published in: Der Anaesthesist 2019-08, Vol.68 (8), p.516-519
• Main Authors: Freys, S M, Erlenwein, J, Koppert, W, Meißner, W, Pogatzki-Zahn, E, Schwenk, W, Simanski, C
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• ISSN: 1432-055X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00101-019-0629-4

The treatment of any causal, procedure-specific and/or concomitant acute pain is an essential quality feature in any surgical subspecialty. An interdisciplinary and interprofessional pain therapy aims for an immediate improvement of the patients' quality of life, a reduction of the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in the medium term, prevention of any pain chronification in the long run as well as a reduction of hospitalization and sick leave. The "Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy" exists since 1992. In view of the continuously developing scientific evidence, updated guideline recommendations and interprofessionally designed treatment pathways, these agreements have been adapted to the current requirements and structural conditions of the German healthcare system. Thus, both aforementioned professional associations promote an up to date version of an "Agreement for the Organization of Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients", a precise recommendation and a manual for the acting partners in order to realize the abovementioned goals.