The inherited patient on opioids: A challenge for primary care clinicians.
Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting more than 100 million people in the United States, and primary care providers are highly likely to encounter patients on chronic opioid therapy. Initial encounters with a new patient already on high-dose opioids can be difficult and lead to apprehension for both patient and provider. This article describes how to use current opioid prescribing guidelines, conduct a comprehensive pain assessment, and implement risk mitigation strategies to improve patient safety and effectively manage this patient population.
Christopher L. Owston practices in the US Navy's Medical Service Corps at the Branch Health Clinic Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the US government. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Christopher L
CL
Owston
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D059350:Chronic Pain; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid