Articles: pain-management.
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Over the past decade, long-term use of prescription opioids for chronic non-cancer pain has risen globally despite the associated risks. Most opioid users receive their first prescription in primary care. ⋯ Patients' perspectives illustrate the important role of HCPs across the spectrum of opioid use - from initiation to tapering. The results of this study underscore the importance of clear risk counselling starting at initial prescribing, repeated medication assessments throughout treatment, addressing tapering at regular intervals, and strong support during tapering. These insights carry significant implications for clinical practice, emphasising the importance of informed and patient-centred care when it comes to opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain management.
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In response to the opioid epidemic and high rates of chronic pain among the veteran population, the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented the TelePain-Empower Veterans Program (EVP), a nonpharmacological pain management program for veterans. ⋯ These descriptive data should be triangulated with quantitative data to objectively assess participant TelePain-EVP outcomes and associated participant characteristics. PERSPECTIVE: A qualitative evaluation of a telehealth program to manage chronic pain, guided by the CFIR framework, identified determinants of program implementation. Additionally, participants reported improvements in pain management coping skills, interpersonal relationships, and sense of community, but no self-reported reductions in pain or medication use.
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In patients who experience frequent vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), opioid dependence may be due to a need for pain control as opposed to addiction; the implications of opioid use disorder (OUD) in this population are unclear. ⋯ OUD is associated with increased length of stay and costs in patients with VOC. While there are many possible explanations, providers should consider undertreatment of pain due to addiction concerns as a potential factor; individualized pain plans to mitigate this challenge could be explored.