Abstract:
Chronic pain may have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and can be difficult to manage. In carefully selected patients,
and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, opioid analgesia may help to achieve long-term pain control with a manageable
side-effect profile and a low risk of serious adverse effects. However, appropriate evaluation, including biopsychosocial screening and risk
screening is essential before initiating an opioid and during continued therapy. This guideline aims to assist practitioners in screening and
selecting appropriate patients with chronic non-cancer pain to initiate, monitor and continue pain management with opioid therapy.
