APS/AAPM Guidelines for Opioids in Chronic Noncancer Pain
Roger Chou, MD
General Medicine Internist
Oregon Health & Science University
Director of Clinical Guidelines Development
American Pain Society (APS)
Portland, Oregon
Opioids are an invaluable class of analgesics for acute pain, pain associated with such terminal conditions as cancer, and chronic noncancer pain. The lack of studies evaluating comparative effectiveness and risk during long-term treatment in varied populations and recent increases in prescription opioid abuse, however, necessitate an iterative, structured approach to patient selection, risk stratification, and long-term monitoring of patients outcomes. To aide in this process, the American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine have recently published guidelines for the use of opioids in noncancer pain. These guidelines stress the importance of applying evidence-based medicine, whenever possible, defining patient-specific treatment goals (eg, pain relief, improved function, better social interactions), and assessing outcomes in relation to these goals to evaluate the effectiveness of the opioid-based treatment regimen.
APS/AAPM Guidelines for Opioids in Chronic Noncancer Pain
Roger Chou, MD
General Medicine Internist
Oregon Health & Science University
Director of Clinical Guidelines Development
American Pain Society (APS)
Portland, Oregon
Opioids are an invaluable class of analgesics for acute pain, pain associated with such terminal conditions as cancer, and chronic noncancer pain. The lack of studies evaluating comparative effectiveness and risk during long-term treatment in varied populations and recent increases in prescription opioid abuse, however, necessitate an iterative, structured approach to patient selection, risk stratification, and long-term monitoring of patients outcomes. To aide in this process, the American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine have recently published guidelines for the use of opioids in noncancer pain. These guidelines stress the importance of applying evidence-based medicine, whenever possible, defining patient-specific treatment goals (eg, pain relief, improved function, better social interactions), and assessing outcomes in relation to these goals to evaluate the effectiveness of the opioid-based treatment regimen.
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