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

  • Hot Topics in Pain and Headache (N Rosen, Section Editor)
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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Center, The George Washington University, 2120 L St, Washington, DC, 20037, USA

    Ali Pourmand, Gregory Jasani & Courtney Shay

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi

  3. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi

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  1. Ali Pourmand
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  2. Gregory Jasani
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  3. Courtney Shay
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  4. Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi
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Correspondence to Ali Pourmand.

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Ali Pourmand, Gregory Jasani, Courtney Shay, and Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi declare no conflict of interest.

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Pourmand, A., Jasani, G., Shay, C. et al. The Evolving Landscape of Acute Pain Management in the Era of the Opioid Crisis. Curr Pain Headache Rep 22, 73 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0728-y

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