Development of Guidelines for the Diagnostics and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I

The complexity of this syndrome, the involvement of many (para) medical disciplines in the treatment and the functional outcome regarding psycho-social functioning, it was necessary to develop a guideline which was based on literature, expert views and intensive discussion within the experts. In this case it would be possible to give every patient in the Netherlands the same treatment based on the evidence based developed guidelines.The aim of the development of the guideline was to come forward with recommendations to guide paramedics and medical doctors in their daily practice. The guideline had to have as a basis the evidence coming from international literature. The guideline had to give advices regarding diagnostics, treatment, aftercare, follow up and information and support of children and adults with CRPS-I.The implementation of the guideline is taken in account throughout the entire development process. The recommendations in the guidelines are based on the best available scientific evidence and further considerations, such as costs, side effects, patient perspectives, organisational aspects.