There is a lack of young talent for pain therapists

02.03.2010 15:44

Start of the “BVSD training exchange for pain therapy and palliative medicine”

Future pain therapy care in Germany faces massive problems. Reason: Lack of new trained pain therapists. “In five to ten years, around two thirds of the pain doctors currently working in outpatient care will retire. Only a few colleagues who could move up decide to obtain additional pain therapy qualifications. If nothing changes in the training and remuneration situation, the already inadequate provision of comprehensive pain therapy care will no longer be possible," explained Dr. Reinhard Thoma, President of the Professional Association of Pain Therapists in Germany (BVSD).

The BVSD demanded that established specialist practices be supported by the statutory health insurance associations (KV) for further training in pain therapy. “This can be done through a special fund of unused funding for structured specialist medical training, such as in Schleswig-Holstein,” said Thoma. The KV Schleswig-Holstein provides financial resources for the acquisition of the additional qualification in special pain therapy, which guarantees the support of five assistants for a maximum of 12 months.

In order to improve communication within pain therapy, the BVSD has now set up a “BVSD continuing education exchange for pain therapy and palliative medicine” on its website. “In this way, the BVSD supports those interested in continuing education in pain and palliative medicine. With the help of the BVSD training exchange, which is a free service provided by the professional association, it is possible to bring providers and seekers together quickly and in a focused manner for mutual benefit,” said the BVSD President.

Pain is considered a warning sign of illness. For example, 60 to 90 percent of patients with advanced cancer suffer from moderate to severe pain. In the case of chronic pain illness, however, the pain has taken on a life of its own and has become an independent disease. The annual costs of back pain alone in Germany amount to around 50 billion euros (as of 2009), largely caused by incapacity to work and retirement.