Scope and Purpose On the one hand, America has a severe untreated and undertreated pain problem. On the other hand, America has a severe opioid abuse problem, with pain pills diverted to the recreational black market. Therefore, the overall objective of this guideline is to determine which patients should receive opioid prescriptions, and how to prescribe …show more content…
It is important to note that other guidelines should be sought to address the treatment of acute pain and also pain in cancer patients. Evaluation, including screening, risk assessment, diagnosis, and counseling are all covered; as is consideration of management of pain with and without opioids, and proper treatment with opioids. The purpose is to improve patient access, quality of care, and treatment outcomes. As mentioned, the health questions are pain management in chronic non-cancer pain. Chronic pain affects quality of life and ability to function. Therefore, opioid treatment when used must be effective, and must be balanced against adverse effects on a case by case basis. Determination must be made of who are appropriate patients, including whether or not they are likely at risk for addiction. Also to be considered is whether or not any alternatives to opioid medication might work for each patient. The focus is on avoiding adverse events, particularly addiction and