Guidelines for Monitoring Patients Using Opioid Therapy

Opioid-related morbidity and mortality have increased to epidemic proportions over the past 20 years. Gynecologists play an integral role in addressing this epidemic through management of patients with pain, specifically through prescribing and monitoring practices. Practical recommendations are provided for clinicians caring for noncancer patients on chronic opioid therapy. Recommendations are largely based on national consensus guidelines with a focus on frequency and content of follow-up, identification of high risk behaviors, and reassessment of goals of treatment.