France
Use of opioids in pain management: a delicate balance
Valéria Martinez, President of the SFETD
The prescription of opioids for the treatment of pain has always given rise to passionate debate. Historically, their use has oscillated between strict prohibition and recreational use. This class of drugs has been profoundly influenced by fashions, cultural pressures and environmental factors, shaping their prescription over decades. It was not until the 1970s that medicine began to explore the analgesic benefits of opioids. In developed countries, the demystification of morphinehas enabled thousands of patients to benefit from effective pain treatment, giving them access to one of the most powerful painkillers available. However, a third of the world’s population is still deprived of this essential access, with marked disparities: per capita opioid consumption varies by a factor of more than 100 from one country to another.
Misuse and the risk of addiction, widely documented in the United States, have rekindled controversy over opioid use, particularly in chronic non-cancer pain. Finding a balance between the analgesic benefits of opioids and their side effects remains a constant challenge. While the figures for the increase in opioid consumption (particularly those known as ‘weak’ opioids, such as Tramado or codeine) remain a source of concern, France is in a very different situation to the United States. The French addicto-vigilance network is nonetheless sounding the alarm, and the lights are at least amber, if not red. This trend deserves closer attention, but it is essential to avoid simplistic comparisons that entail disproportionate fear or inappropriate policies.
Patient education, training in pain management for medical students and ongoing professional education could be much more effective levers than fear or excessive restrictions imposed on prescribers. Fear of abuses must not lead to opiophobia, which could exacerbate the phenomenon of oligoanalgesia (failure to recognise and provide analgesia in patients suffering from pain) already present in France, particularly in emergency situations. The French Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain (SFETD) stresses the need to strike a balance. ‘We need to be as concerned about the risks associated with over-prescribing as we are about those associated with under-prescribing when opioids are necessary’.
The transition to digital healthcare systems, in particular with secure computerised prescriptions, represents a promising solution for reconciling safety and effectiveness in the management of patients’ pain.
Participation in World Pain Day: Roundtable at the Senate
On October 24, the SFETD participated in a roundtable at the French Senate alongside the French Anti-Rheumatism Association (AFLAR) to discuss the challenges of chronic pain management. In the presence of influential political figures, the SFETD addressed patients’ needs, therapeutic innovations, and the responsible use of analgesics. This event highlighted the importance of strengthening the national network of pain management structures and establishing regional intervention platforms to improve access to care for patients suffering from severe pain.
Regional Platforms for Chronic Pain Interventions
The SFETD has successfully advocated for two key priorities to be included in the government’s ten-year care strategy: the sustainability of chronic pain management structures and the creation of interventional platforms in every region. These platforms aim to provide innovative and tailored treatments for patients with complex pain conditions, supported by a network of trained professionals for comprehensive patient follow-up. This initiative is crucial to ensure equitable access to specialized care across the entire country.
Moratorium on Secure Prescriptions for Codeine and Tramadol
The SFETD has requested a delay from the ANSM on the new requirement for secure prescriptions for codeine and tramadol, set to take effect on December 1. Many healthcare professionals have expressed concerns about logistical challenges, including limited availability of secure prescription forms, software updates that cannot be implemented in time, and insufficient time to train medical staff. These obstacles risk limiting access to treatment for patients, increasing emergency visits, and complicating chronic pain management. The SFETD calls for a moratorium to ensure a safe transition.
Greece
See the poster here.
Poland
On October 17-19, 2024, the 9th Symposium of the Polish Association for the Study of Pain “Advances in Pain Treatment” was held at the Fabryczna Conference Center (CKF_13) in Krakow, located at 13 Fabryczna Street, which was organized by the PASP (PTBB) together with the Department of Pain Research and Treatment of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and the Pain Treatment Clinic of the University Hospital in Krakow. The Scientific Committee, which included over 50 experienced specialists, experts dealing with pain on a daily basis, prepared a rich program addressing many issues related to pain medicine, also from an interdisciplinary perspective. During the 3-day event, 19 sessions were held, attended by 82 lecturers (including 14 foreign guests, such as Prof. Bart Morlion, Dr. Denis Dupoiron, Dr. Jose de Andres and Dr. Robert Levy), and 87 lectures were delivered during the above-mentioned sessions. In addition, participants could take advantage of the offer of practical workshops and satellite sessions.
This unique event was attended by over 800 participants both stationary and online. Those participants who appeared in the Conference Center could not only take part in scientific lectures, but also get acquainted with the offer of 27 exhibition stands.
Additional support was also provided by 13 sponsors, including the silver sponsor – Stada – and 8 partners (including the European Pain Federation EFIC, the Supreme Medical Chamber, the Regional Medical Chamber in Krakow and the city of Krakow).
Currently, you can still register on the Symposium website to be able to use the archive of the event – some lectures are available in Polish only. Participants who were present in person, after entering the above website (and logging in to the Practical Medicine portal) have access to the prepared audiovisual materials.
We would like to thank all participants for coming and participating in the event, and we invite those interested to visit the website dedicated to the Symposium.
You can also watch a short movie, giving an insight into a very successful Symposium!
Watch here.
Netherlands
At the 16 December the Dutch chapter (Pain Alliance in the Netherlands; PA!N) has scheduled the annual multidisciplinary pain congress: the Pain Matrix. This is about pain and alleged feasibility. See the program: Programma PA!N congress 2024.
The Dutch chapter also developed a national pain program. With respect to topics in this program, special attention will be given to a public pain campaign, education and collaboration in regional pain networks.
UK
Dear EFIC Members,
We are pleased to share recent updates from the British Pain Society (BPS), highlighting developments that may be of interest to our European colleagues:
Membership for Students and Early Career Professionals
We’re excited to launch a new Early Career membership category, providing tailored benefits to the next generation of pain specialists. Priced at just £25, this initiative opens doors to valuable opportunities, resources, and support.
Save the Date: BPS ASM 2025 – ICC Newport, Wales
Join us for the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Pain Society from June 3rd to 5th, 2025, at the ICC Newport, Wales, featuring a multidisciplinary programme of cutting-edge research, debates, and workshops. Explore the latest in pain management while enjoying the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
BPS ASM 2025: Call for Abstract Submission
Abstract submissions are now open! Head to our website to submit your work and share your insights with the pain research community.
Abstracts Submission Deadline: 13 January 2025
Global Day Against Pain: Special Feature
BPS partnered with ITN Business for the Global Day Against Pain. Check out our feature on Pathways to Pain Management, where we spotlight real solutions for persistent pain. Watch now.
2025 Philosophy & Ethics SIG Summer Retreat: “Women and Pain”
Join us from 29th June to 2nd July 2025 at Rydal Hall in the Lake District for the British Pain Society’s Philosophy and Ethics SIG Annual Summer Retreat. This year’s theme, “Women and Pain,” will bring together professionals and individuals with lived experience to explore the broader issues of pain. The retreat will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Hall, with arrival on Sunday evening and departure after lunch on Wednesday.
BPS Webinar Program
We have a regular webinar program, with recordings available on the BPS YouTube channel. Our webinars cover a variety of topics in pain management, including:
- Towards More Trustworthy Pain Research: The ENTRUST-PE Framework
- Acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Should we ever prescribe opioids?
- The Language of Pain: A Personal Examination
- Music Therapy for Chronic Pain
We are also planning more webinars in 2025. If you have any suggestions for topics that could benefit the wider community, please get in touch!
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
These updates are just the beginning. The British Pain Society is committed to working closely with EFIC and our European colleagues to advance pain management research, education, and policy. Want to connect or collaborate? Drop us a line!
Portugal
Advancing Knowledge for a Future with Less Pain
The Portuguese Association for the Study of Pain (APED), as the Portuguese chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the European Pain Federation EFIC, has long been committed to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Pain. In line with this mission, APED proudly marked Portugal’s National Day Against Pain, along with other initiatives, with the launch of APED Pain Academy, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering education, innovation, and collaboration in Pain Medicine.
The APED Pain Academy reflects our ongoing dedication to equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools required to elevate standards of care and to drive the evolution of pain management in Portugal and beyond.
Motivation and Goals
The APED Pain Academy serves as a platform for delivering multidisciplinary training programs tailored to the evolving needs of Pain Medicine. By combining APED’s academic, clinical, and structural expertise with the contributions of renowned scientific societies, our aim is to offer innovative educational opportunities that bridge theory with practical application, thereby advancing Pain management practices.
Focus
Our educational approach is centered on sharing evidence-based clinical insights and fostering knowledge exchange between leading national and international experts. These initiatives uphold APED’s core mission: to advance the understanding and management of Pain through rigorous study, teaching, and dissemination of knowledge.
Course “Interventional Techniques in Pain Medicine” (2024/25)
The Interventional Techniques in Pain Medicine course is a cornerstone of APED Pain Academy. This nine-month, theoretical and practical program is the first of its kind in Portugal, offering a comprehensive, innovative and inclusive curriculum that addresses the latest advancements in Interventional Pain Medicine.
The course, launched in October 2024, is designed to equip participants with hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques, such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance, while engaging them in discussions on the pathophysiological mechanisms of Pain and innovative treatment approaches. Delivered by esteemed national and international experts, the program ensures a robust educational experience.
As we look to the future, applications for the 2025/26 cohort will soon be open. We warmly invite all Portuguese-speaking physicians with an interest in Pain Medicine to consider joining this pioneering program, which is currently undergoing accreditation by the UEMS-EACCME.
Promoting national guidelines for pain management in paediatric vaccination.
APED has initiated a key collaboration with the national health authority, Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS), following recommendations from its Paediatric Pain Working Group on Pain Management during vaccination. This collaboration has led to the creation of a working group under the DGS’s Vaccination Technical Committee, which includes APED’s member Dra Clara Abadesso, Dra Elsa Santos and nurses Ananda Fernandes, Dulce Cruz and Leonor Castelo.
The group is currently developing evidence-based guidelines to be submitted to the DGS, with the aim of establishing national recommendations and implementation plans to improve pain management during vaccination. This initiative builds on APED’s awareness campaign ‘For Fear-Free and Pain-Free Vaccination’, which aims to educate parents and support the work of healthcare professionals.
APED is proud to be driving this important step towards better care for children throughout Portugal.
Acute Pain Indicators
APED is working with the Entidade Reguladora da Saúde – ERS (the national regulatory authority for health) to set up key indicators for acute pain management. This initiative aims to establish measurable standards to assist healthcare providers in assessing and improving the quality of care for patients with acute pain.
Through this collaboration, APED reaffirms its commitment to driving advances in pain management and ensuring the delivery of high quality care throughout Portugal.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to announce that the X Meeting of Pain Units will take place in October 2025. This event will bring together leading experts and professionals in pain management to discuss innovations, challenges, and advances in the field.
Hungary
- In 2024, our Society restarted the 3-semester, accredited methodological training in “Chronic Pain Therapy” (Semmelweis University, Budapest). The 32‑hour course of the first semester was completed in April, the course of the second semester was completed in November (SE-SZTOK/2024.II/00143, credit points: 50). Our lecturers are outstanding representatives of their respective fields, who voluntarily undertook this pioneering task.
- In September was comleted a “Basics of Multidisciplinary Pain Therapy” course for medical students organized by the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embriology (Zita Puskár, Semmelweis University, Budapest).
- November 8-9. 2024. Our 2024 congress was in Siófok (Premium Hotel Panorama), its program has been accredited (code: 88476). Detailed program is on our website.
Main topics:
New opportunities and challenges in pain therapy
- The future of pain therapy: pharmacological advances in pain management, Prof. Gábor Pethő (Pécs)
- Innovations in spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, Máté Nagy, István Balás (Pécs)
- The importance of functional MRI in the differential diagnosis of chronic pain, Gergely Fehér (Pécs)
- Chronic pain caused by SARS-COVID 19 and their treatment options, Enikő Csák (Budapest)
IASP Global Year about Sex and Gender Disparities in Pain I-II.
- Heterosexuality, homosexuality and transgender issues in a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain, Noémi Császár-Nagy (Budapest)
- Are there gender differences in coping, intellectual and psychological flexibility and in the field of mental reserves? Gyula Róbert Almási (Pécs)
- Gender differences in modulation mechanisms, Zoltán Kovács-Ábrahám (Pécs)
- Genetic differences in the incidence of chronic pain, Ferenc Veres (Szolnok)
- Gender-related characteristics of pain caused by musculoskeletal diseases, Edit Tóth (Kistarcsa)
- Chronic pain caused by gender-related malignant disease,s Gyula Róbert Almási (Pécs)
- Cultural expectations of gender roles in experiencing suffering, Bernadett Tóth-Kuthy (Budapest)
- Chronic pain caused by genetic diseases, Andrea Gyimesi-Szikszai (Budapest)
Focus on neuropathic pain
- Challenges and practical aspects of neuropathic pain treatment, Erika Budai (Budapest)
- The renaissance of amitriptyline in the treatment of chronic pain, Andreea Dumele (Budapest)
Peripheral and central sensitization.
- Neurobiology of peripheral sensitization of nociceptors and its relevance to nociceptor analgesia, Péter Sántha, Prof. Gábor Jancsó (Szeged)
- A cellular and molecular approach to central sensitization, Zita Puskár (Budapest)
- The role of glial cells in peripheral and central sensitization, Krisztina Holló (Debrecen)
State of art lecture
Molecular scalpel: targeted (intrathecal, epidural and intraarticular) resiniferatoxin for permanent pain relief in osteoarthritis and cancer patients, Prof. Árpád Szállási
The role of online space in pain therapy
- Open data sources for effective treatments, including virtual patient communities
- Introducing the Hungarian Association of Osteoporosis, Patients Zoltán Petrásovits, co-president of OBME
- Digital platforms for chronic pain management, Major János (Budapest)
- Online therapies and their effectiveness, Noémi Császár-Nagy (Budapest)
- Online patient support materials: international and domestic experiences, Gábor Mátay (Budapest)
Invasive pain therapy
- Facet block, László Kiss (Budapest)
- Cluneal nerve block, Márton Trӓger (Budapest)
- Hip and knee joint denervation, Pál Pottyondy (Budapest)
- pterygopalatine blockade, Erika Budai (Budapest)
Lectures/posters/e-posters of your choice
General meeting:
4/1. Greetings from our founding president dr. Dezső Embey-Isztin is 80 years old
4/2. Presentation of the János Szolcsányi Award
Awarded Prof. Gábor Fazekas
4/3. Scientific Competition Award
Awarded Eszter Anna Simoncsics
4/4 Election:
New Presidency from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027
President: Róbert Gyula Almási
President elect: Noémi Császár-Nagy
Past president: Erika Budai
Secretary: Éva Szőke
Treaseur: Eszter Anna Simoncsics
Member of the Board: Zsuzsanna Helyes, Zita Puskár, Délia Szok, János Major
New Supervisory Committee
From 1st January 2025 to 31. December 2027.
President: Gábor Fazekas
Secretary: Andreea Dumele
Supervisory board member: Krisztina Holló
December 4. 2024. Cancer Pain Management (SE-SZTOK/2024. II/00332) accredited online course (16 credit points). The lectures mainly focus on practical issues (Andreea Dumele, Csaba Simkó, Erika Budai).
We are constantly uploading current events to our Facebook page and website.
