Patient Safety and Risk Management in the Treatment of Pain

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTreating patients with severe, nonmalignant pain can be challenging, and with so many options for pain management, one should evaluate the risks and benefits of each treatment. Opioid pain medications are very potent analgesics and should be considered for severe pain in certain cases, but it is important to weight the risks and benefits of prescribing and to document this reasoning clearly to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. Opioids carry a risk of abuse and diversion, as well as side effects of respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, and others. There are recommended precautions to take in order to minimize risk when using these high profile drugs.Recent FindingsProper screening practices should be used to determine candidacy for opioid use, including a full history and physical examination, urine drugs screens, and utilizing a state wide prescription monitoring program can help to reduce the risk of misuse, drug seeking behavior.SummaryA full patient history, evaluation, and screening for risks of abuse and diversion can help prescribers use opioids more effectively, balance the risks and benefits, and treat pain more appropriately.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research