Comparing Ways to Help Primary Care Providers Prescribe Opioids Safely

Abstract

What was the research about?Acute pain, like severe back pain, headache, or joint and muscle pain, is a common health problem that can limit function and well-being. Medicines called opioids can help ease acute pain. But long-term opioid use can lead to addiction or overdose.Clinical practice guidelines identify prescribing practices that clinicians, like doctors or nurses, should avoid when using opioids to treat acute pain. Unsafe practices may include prescribing high levels of opioids or long-acting opioids at a patient's first visit.