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Standards for the diagnosis and management of complex regional pain syndrome: Results of a European Pain Federation task force
Author(s) -
Goebel Andreas,
Barker Chris,
Birklein Frank,
Brunner Florian,
Casale Roberto,
Eccleston Chris,
Eisenberg E.,
McCabe Candy S.,
Moseley G. Lorimer,
Perez R.,
Perrot Serge,
Terkelsen Astrid,
Thomassen Ilona,
Zyluk Andrzey,
Wells Chris
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1002/ejp.1362
Subject(s) - complex regional pain syndrome , multidisciplinary approach , position statement , rehabilitation , medicine , task (project management) , gold standard (test) , russian federation , distress , health care , quality (philosophy) , physical therapy , political science , business , family medicine , clinical psychology , management , law , economics , philosophy , epistemology , economic policy
Background Complex regional pain syndrome is a painful and disabling post‐traumatic primary pain disorder. Acute and chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are major clinical challenges. In Europe, progress is hampered by significant heterogeneity in clinical practice. We sought to establish standards for the diagnosis and management of CRPS. Methods The European Pain Federation established a pan‐European task force of experts in CRPS who followed a four‐stage consensus challenge process to produce mandatory quality standards worded as grammatically imperative (must‐do) statements. Results We developed 17 standards in 8 areas of care. There are 2 standards in diagnosis, 1 in multidisciplinary care, 1 in assessment, 3 for care pathways, 1 in information and education, 4 in pain management, 3 in physical rehabilitation and 2 on distress management. The standards are presented and summarized, and their generation and consequences were discussed. Also presented are domains of practice for which no agreement on a standard could be reached. Areas of research needed to improve the validity and uptake of these standards are discussed. Conclusion The European Pain Federation task force present 17 standards of the diagnosis and management of CRPS for use in Europe. These are considered achievable for most countries and aspirational for a minority of countries depending on their healthcare resource and structures. Significance This position statement summarizes expert opinion on acceptable standards for CRPS care in Europe.