Postoperative pain survey in Italy (POPSI): A snapshot of current national practices

Aim. Over the last several years, significant efforts have been directed towards improving the quality of postoperative pain management. As data are lacking on the organization and quality of these services in Italy, we surveyed current Italian practices. Methods. A 16-item questionnaire was randomly supplied to 650 anesthesiologists attending the Italian Society of Anesthesia Analgesia Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine (SIAARTI) National Congress in 2006. The survey requested information concerning their current practices in analgesic techniques, use of guidelines, educational programs, availability of an Acute Pain Service (APS), and existing barriers to optimal postoperative pain management. Results. Based on 588 respondents, a sample of 163 hospitals was analyzed (24.4% of Italian public hospitals); 41.7% of the surveyed hospitals had an organized APS. University and teaching hospitals had an organized APS more frequently than did other hospitals (P