title: [Methodology of the development of the updated LONTS guidelines for long-term administration of opioids in noncancer pain].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The update of the German S3 guidelines on long-term opioid therapy of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), the"LONTS" (AWMF registration number 145/003) was scheduled for May 2014.
  
  
  METHODS
  The guidelines were developed by 25 scientific societies and two patient self-help organizations under the coordination of the German Pain Society and the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A systematic literature search was performed in the CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Scopus databases from October 2008 to October 2013. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of opioids in CNPC of study duration ≥ 4 weeks were conducted. Levels of evidence were assigned according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine version 2009 classification system. The formulation and strength of recommendations was established in a multistep formalized consensus procedure, in accordance with AWFM rules and standards. The guidelines were reviewed by three scientific societies not involved in their development and were approved by the executive boards of the societies that were engaged in development of the guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The guidelines will be published in several forms: complete and short scientific versions, as well as clinical practice and patient versions.
authors.affiliation: Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (Schmerztherapie, Palliativmedizin, Psychotherapie) Saarbrücken St. Johann, Saarbrücken, Deutschland, whaeuser@klinikum-saarbruecken.de.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Häuser
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Klose
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Welsch
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Petzke
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nothacker
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kopp
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D032921:Consensus; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D000070516:Intersectoral Collaboration; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012955:Societies, Medical; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid