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Opioids and long-term pain management: nursing considerations
1in continuing professional development, Medical School, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Long-term opioid use for chronic non-malignant pain is discouraged due to risks and limited effectiveness. This article guides healthcare professionals on safe opioid management and stewardship principles.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Opioids pose significant risks including tolerance, dependency, side effects, and overdose.
- Long-term efficacy for chronic non-malignant pain is questionable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on appropriate opioid use.
- To provide guidance on safe long-term opioid management.
- To detail best practices for nurses in opioid stewardship.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on opioid efficacy and risks.
- Analysis of principles for opioid stewardship.
- Discussion of risk mitigation strategies.
Main Results:
- Opioids are associated with significant patient risks.
- Evidence does not support long-term use in chronic non-malignant pain.
- Safe management requires careful consideration of benefits and risks.
Conclusions:
- Opioid therapy requires careful patient selection and monitoring.
- Opioid stewardship is crucial for minimizing harm.
- Nurses play a key role in safe opioid management and patient education.
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