title: South African guideline for the use of chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain.
abstract: Chronic pain may have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and can be difficult to manage. In carefully selected patients, and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, opioid analgesia may help to achieve long-term pain control with a manageable side-effect profile and a low risk of serious adverse effects. However, appropriate evaluation, including biopsychosocial screening and risk screening is essential before initiating an opioid and during continued therapy. This guideline aims to assist practitioners in screening and selecting appropriate patients with chronic non-cancer pain to initiate, monitor and continue pain management with opioid therapy.
authors.affiliation: Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. raffs@iafrica.com.
authors.forename: Milton
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raff
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crosier
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eppel
authors.forename: Helgard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sarembock
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid