A Practical Approach to Non-Medical Opioid Use in Palliative Care Cancer Patients: Using the PARTNERS Framework

Nearly 50% of cancer patients and 75% of those with advanced cancer suffer from disease-related pain. [1] In light of the opioid epidemic and high rates of prescription opioid misuse in the United States, there is an emphasis to prescribe responsibly, which includes using non-opioid modalities, careful screening and monitoring for opioid misuse. [2-4] It is recommended to treat mild to moderate cancer pain first with non-opioid analgesics (such as NSAIDS or acetaminophen), adjuvant analgesics (such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical agents or corticosteroids) psychosocial support, physical therapy, education and integrative therapies.

Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - August 30, 2020 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Amy A. Case, Michelle Walter, Megan Pailler, LuAnn Stevens, Eric Hansen Source Type: research