title: The Pain & Policy Studies Group international program.
abstract: The purpose and activities of the Pain & Policy Studies Group (PPSG) at the University of Wisconsin are discussed, especially in its role as the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Policy and Communications in Cancer Care. Issues relating to the need for balanced opioid policy, the International Narcotics Control Board, opioid availability, overly restrictive national laws and regulations, and specific examples of improvements that have resulted from work of the PPSG are described.
authors.affiliation: Pain & Policy Studies Group, University of Wisconsin, 406 Science Drive, Suite 202, Madison, WI 53711-1068, USA. kmryan2@wisc.edu
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Ryan
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010166:Palliative Care; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid