The report, 'Improving the current and future management of chronic pain' reviews the standards of care in chronic pain across Europe, and the consequences on patients, society and the economy. The conclusions show that access to pain management services is highly inconsistent in Europe, both among and within countries, and that the type of care offered by available pain services differs greatly.

"European economies cannot sustain the current spend on chronic pain - for example welfare costs which may run into millions. There are steps we can take to improve the current system and help people get the recognition, diagnosis and treatment they need for this life-long condition. We believe that by working together to address inefficiencies we can make this goal a reality," commented Professor Giustino Varrassi, President of the European Federation of IASP Chapters (EFIC), Professor and Chairman, Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, L'Aquila University, Medical School, Italy.

By making chronic pain a priority, the EU in partnership with Member States can share best practice examples, raise public understanding and awareness and develop national chronic pain strategies in order to use existing resources more efficiently for pain management.

Source Pfizer