The National Health Commission (NHC) and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) have released the “Integrated Pain Management Pilot Work Plan,” aimed at enhancing pain management capabilities in hospitals across China. The plan outlines a pilot program to be implemented from 2022 to 2025, focusing on exploring and expanding the field of pain management.
Pilot Program Details
The pilot program will select a number of hospitals to implement integrated pain management systems and procedures. The initiative aims to improve medical staff’s capabilities in pain diagnosis and treatment, explore in-hospital incentive systems, and enhance health education for patients and their families. The selected hospitals will be required to meet specific criteria, including being Class 2 or above, having an anesthesia or pain department, and possessing professional technicians capable of conducting pain diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, hospitals must have achieved at least one of the following metrics in 2022:
- The proportion of painless gastrointestinal endoscopy in the total number of gastrointestinal endoscopies is ≥ 20%.
- The proportion of painless fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the total number of fiberoptic bronchoscopies is ≥ 5%.
- The analgesia rate of intraspinal delivery is ≥ 20%.
Hospitals must also provide necessary personnel, hardware, and policy support to participate in the pilot program.
Timeline and Implementation
The document outlines a clear timeline and work arrangements for the pilot program, including the initiation, organization and implementation, and follow-up evaluation phases. Local bureaus of the NHC and NATCM are required to enhance organization and leadership, administration and guidance, and summary and publicity efforts to ensure the success of the pilot program.
Future Outlook
The launch of the Integrated Pain Management Pilot Work Plan underscores the commitment of the NHC and NATCM to improving patient care and addressing pain management needs in healthcare settings. By implementing comprehensive pain management systems and enhancing medical staff’s capabilities, the pilot program aims to set a new standard for pain management in hospitals. The initiative is expected to contribute to better patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality in China.-Fineline Info & Tech
