Availability and Organization of Pain Management Structures in Pediatric Hospitals in Poland

Short-term acute pain from surgical trauma, diagnostic procedures, or disease is common but often inadequately treated. Improperly managed pain can lead to persistent chronic pain syndromes. Over the past 20 years, Acute Pain Services (APS) have been established in Poland to improve pain management. Outpatient care is provided by Pain Management Clinics (PMC).The aim of the study was to assess the availability of APS and PMC and analyze the functioning of APS in pediatric hospitals across Poland. This is the first study examining the availability of pain management structures in the country.The study involved hospitals with Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care profiles listed in the National Health Fund. A survey about APS and PMC was sent to all eligible centers.Response rate from hospitals was 94.4% (34/36). Two APS models were identified: the Swedish model (nurse-based, anesthesiologist supervised) and the British model (anesthesiologists overseeing pain management by clinical teams). APS was present in 41% of hospitals (13/34), and PMC in 9% (3/34). The Swedish model was implemented in 5 APSes, while the British model was used in 8 of them.Pain management for pediatric patients in Poland is underdeveloped, with APS mainly operating under the Swedish model, and PMC available only in major cities.