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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 11/2018

01-11-2018 | Hot Topics in Pain and Headache (N Rosen, Section Editor)

The Evolving Landscape of Acute Pain Management in the Era of the Opioid Crisis

Authors: Ali Pourmand, Gregory Jasani, Courtney Shay, Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 11/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of the study is to evaluate and analyze the role of both opioid and non-opioid analgesics in the emergency department (ED).

Recent Findings

Studies have shown that the implementation of opioid-prescribing policies in the ED has the potential to reduce the opioid addiction burden. Clinical studies point to inconsistencies in providers’ approach to pain treatment. In this review, we discuss specific aspects of opioid utilization and explore alternative non-opioid approaches to pain management.

Summary

Pain is the most common reason patients present to the ED. As such, emergency medicine (EM) providers must be well versed in treating pain. EM providers must be comfortable using a wide variety of analgesic medications. Opioid analgesics, while effective for some indications, are associated with significant adverse effects and abuse potential. EM providers should utilize opioid analgesics in a safe and rational manner in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic and to avoid therapeutic misadventures. EM providers should be aware of all of their therapeutic options, e.g., opioid and non-opioid, in order to provide effective analgesia for their patients, while avoiding adverse effects and minimizing the potential for misuse.
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Metadata
Title
The Evolving Landscape of Acute Pain Management in the Era of the Opioid Crisis
Authors
Ali Pourmand
Gregory Jasani
Courtney Shay
Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi
Publication date
01-11-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0728-y

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