A protocol for addressing acute pain and prescribing opioids

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Pain Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing public awareness of opioid dangers prompts physician re-evaluation of prescribing practices.
• The Minnesota Medical Association established a task force to address prescription opioid abuse.
• Physicians are seeking evidence-based strategies to mitigate risks associated with opioid analgesics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) Acute Pain Assessment and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing Protocol.
• To highlight key features of the new protocol designed for safe and effective acute pain management.
• To provide a framework for physicians to address the opioid crisis through improved prescribing habits.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between the Minnesota Medical Association's task force and the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI).
• Development of a clinical protocol focused on acute pain assessment and opioid prescribing.
• Emphasis on evidence-based guidelines and best practices in pain management.

Main Results:

• A new protocol for acute pain assessment and opioid prescribing has been developed.
• The protocol integrates shared decision-making between patients and physicians.
• Key aspects emphasize conservative and careful opioid prescribing strategies.

Conclusions:

• The ICSI protocol offers a structured approach to managing acute pain while minimizing opioid abuse risks.
• Shared decision-making is a crucial component for responsible opioid prescribing.
• This initiative represents a significant step by medical associations to address the prescription opioid crisis.