title: A survey of treatment practices in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate provider practices for identification and treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare providers attending educational programs in New England.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey was completed by 357 providers. Although generally ineffective in neuropathic pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed by 31% of providers. Only 57% providers used a quantitative pain scale to evaluate pain. The effectiveness of medications was assessed at least frequently by 70% of providers and at every visit by 22% providers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results reiterate the need for routinely monitoring patients with painful DPN and using appropriate pain scales.
authors.affiliation: Pfizer, Inc., PO Box 1021, Jericho Center, VT 05465, USA. carl.possidente@pfizer.com
authors.forename: Carl J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Possidente
authors.forename: Rup
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tandan
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006282:Health Personnel; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal