New NPS therapeutic topic: OPIOID THERAPY IN CHRONIC PAIN
Recently, a GP commented that with all the reading Vijay and I do for a topic, we must accumulate so much information, but don’t we get tired of having to repeat it all back to each GP? Well, “no - because although we are conveying the same key messages, the focus is slightly different with each GP and it’s the anecdotes and examples of clinical experiences that make it interesting and add value to our discussion”. So we begin visiting on a topic, armed with evidence and statistics and with each visit, we enrich our information with the experience and knowledge that GPs share with us.

It’s time again for us to embark on a new topic: Opioid Therapy in Chronic (non-cancer) Pain. This topic explores ways of optimising the benefits of opioids in chronic pain while minimising the harms associated with inappropriate use. These include careful patient selection, clear communication about the goals of opioid therapy, careful advice about proper use and close monitoring.

Chronic pain affects one in five Australians and costs the economy $34 billion per year. Opioids are an option for some patients with chronic pain but there has been a significant increase in the supply of prescription opioids over the last two decades. Long-acting opioids are recommended for chronic non-cancer pain and short-acting opioids can be used to establish pain relief requirements. However, the choice of opioid, initial dose and titration schedule should be developed in line with the patient’s health, age, response and past experience with opioids. Opioids are used for the shortest period possible and preferably in combination with non-drug treatment options.

The program includes: one-on-one educational visits from NPS facilitators and small-group, case-based peer meetings for GPs, the staff of aged-care facilities and pharmacists. If you wish to participate in an educational visit or case study at your practice please contact Beba or Vijay, your NPS facilitators on 9799 0933.