Tackling Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder: A Clinician's Guide
Opioid use disorder happens in chronic opioid therapy patients, and we just need to recognize that and to be looking out for it, because we know that it's a very, depending on the definition, a very common or at least a not unexpected side effect of this medication class.
Imagine trying to balance chronic pain management with the risks of opioid addiction—it's a tightrope walk for many clinicians. In this episode of the 'Compass Opioid Stewardship Clinical Cases' podcast, Dr. Donald Stader and Dr. Rachael Duncan dive deep into this complex issue. They start by breaking down the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder, making it clear and accessible for any healthcare professional.
The discussion then shifts to the TROUP study, which highlights the risks of opioid misuse among chronic pain patients. It's eye-opening stuff that every clinician should hear. Dr. Stader and Dr. Duncan don't just stop at identifying problems—they offer practical solutions. From initial patient encounters to tapering off opioids, they provide actionable advice that you can implement in your practice right away.
They emphasize the importance of building a therapeutic alliance with patients, reframing how pain is understood, and using common-sense harm reduction strategies. The episode features real-world patient scenarios, brought to life through role-playing, which makes the complex topics more relatable and easier to grasp. You'll get a front-row seat to the challenges and solutions in managing chronic opioid therapy, including best practices for tapering opioids and integrating multimodal pain management strategies.
Whether you're a seasoned clinician or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you improve patient care. It's not just about managing medications; it's about changing lives for the better. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively manage chronic pain and opioid use disorder.