23.05.12
Clinicians reluctant to treat severe pain
Many patients are being ‘under-treated’ for severe pain as part of debilitating conditions, including cancer, NICE suggests. New pain relief guidance has been published to tackle this.
The guidance deals with five opioids: morphine, diamorphine (heroin), buprenorphine, fentanyl and oxycodone. They come either from the opium poppy or are synthetically produced versions.
Many clinicians are reluctant to use strong opioids or morphine and the guidance aims to improve pain management and patient safety.
The report reads: “Misinterpretations and misunderstanding have surrounded the use of strong opioids for decades, and these are only slowly being resolved. Until recently, prescribing advice has been varied and sometimes conflicting,” which has resulted in errors “causing under-dosing and avoidable pain, or overdosing and distressing adverse effects”.
The guidance recommends good communication with the patient to discuss concerns including addition, tolerance and side effects.
Dr Damien Longson, chair of the NICE Guideline Development Group said: “People worry they can become addicted, particularly if opioids are prescribed over an extended period of time.
“This guideline puts a strong emphasis on good communication between healthcare professionals and patients, which is key to ensuring any worries or uncertainties are addressed with timely and accurate information.”
To view the guidance, visit www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13745/59285/59285.pdf
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]