Radiofrequency treatment in The Netherlands.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Healthcare Quality Assurance

Background:

• The Dutch Society of Anesthesiology (NVA) and the National Organisation for Quality Assurance in Hospitals (CBO) initiated a national study.
• The study aimed to evaluate the status of anesthesiological pain control in the Netherlands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect retrospective data on invasive pain control procedures.
• To assess the organization, resources, and practices of pain departments in Dutch hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to all 147 Dutch hospitals for data collection.
• The study focused on the period 1990-1991, with data collected between 1991 and 1997.
• A high response rate of 98% was achieved.

Main Results:

• 92% of hospitals performed 9,700 invasive cancer pain procedures annually.
• 85% of hospitals were involved in chronic non-cancer pain control, managing approximately 63,000 procedures annually.
• Data covered organizational aspects, personnel, facilities, and treatment protocols.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiological pain control in the Netherlands is characterized by a high volume of invasive procedures for both cancer and non-cancer pain.
• The study highlights the extensive activity and established infrastructure for pain management within Dutch hospitals.
• The findings provide a benchmark for anesthesiological pain control quality assurance.