A survey of treatment practices in diabetic peripheral neuropathy☆
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate provider practices for identification and treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Methods
A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare providers attending educational programs in New England.
Results
The survey was completed by 357 providers. Although generally ineffective in neuropathic pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed by 31% of providers. Only 57% providers used a quantitative pain scale to evaluate pain. The effectiveness of medications was assessed at least frequently by 70% of providers and at every visit by 22% providers.
Conclusion
The results reiterate the need for routinely monitoring patients with painful DPN and using appropriate pain scales.
Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Provider survey, Treatment practices in neuropathic pain
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☆ This project was presented as a poster at the American Academy of Pain Management's 19th Annual Clinical Meeting in Nashville, TN, September 2008.
PII: S1751-9918(09)00088-6
doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2009.08.008
© 2009 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
