Praxis
-
National survey on treatment with opioids among 1206 Swiss general internists and rheumatologists, using a questionnaire. TYPES OF PAIN: More self-declared pain specialists than non-specialists treat neuropathic pain (49,3 vs. 35,8%; p=0,002), whereas other types of pain are similarly often treated by specialists and non-specialists. ⋯ TUMOR PAIN: Non-specialists rather than specialists prescribe opioids (80,4 vs. 72,8%, p=0,039); younger physicians (<50 years) rather than older ones often prescribe opioids (82,5 vs. 76,9%; p=0,026), and rheumatologists use opioids less often than general internists (43,3 vs. 83,0%, p<0,0001). WHO ANALGESIC LADDER: Specialists more often change directly from level 1 to level 3 analgesics (66,4 vs. 53,8%; p=0,001).