Improving supply: Nationwide initiative by the DGS on cannabinoids
18.05.2021 09:33
With its "Cannabinoid Pain Initiative 2021," the German Society for Pain Medicine (DGS) has set itself the goal this year of reducing barriers to the prescription of cannabinoids in order to improve the care of pain patients. A key component of the initiative is a selective contract between the DGS and AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, which aims to replace the health insurance company's prior authorization requirement and leave the therapeutic decision to the physician in consultation with their patient.
Cannabinoids can significantly improve the quality of life for severely ill pain patients. However, the hurdles to adequate care are currently high. "The complicated approval process with health insurance companies takes time. Patients have to wait. Furthermore, a third of all applications are rejected," says DGS President Dr. Johannes Horlemann. Reasons for rejection include differing assessments of the indication, insufficient use of standard therapies, and errors in the application process. Some physicians also lack experience in the use of cannabinoids. Reservations about potential misuse also contribute to the under-treatment of pain patients. Therefore, the DGS launched the 'Cannabinoids Pain Initiative 2021'.
„With this initiative, we want to reduce obstacles to prescribing, improve the quality of treatment, and provide comprehensive training for prescribers themselves. Patients with severe or uncontrollable symptoms should be able to receive cannabis therapy quickly and without hindrance,“ said Horlemann.
The project is based on a policy paper adopted on January 19, 2021, by federal politicians from the Grand Coalition, the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg health insurance fund, basic researchers, and members of the DGS (German Sociological Association) board. The program includes a selective contract between the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg and the DGS. This contract replaces the health insurance fund's requirement for prior authorization to prescribe cannabinoids and is scheduled to come into effect by mid-2021.
This requires that contracted physicians complete a 20-hour curriculum developed by experts from the professional association. The training covers the fundamentals, standard therapies, and indications for cannabinoids. Addiction medicine aspects, side effects, and contraindications are also addressed. Regular participation in CME-certified continuing education events and annual recertification complete the initiative's package of measures.