In order to mitigate the risk of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), healthcare professionals need to assess a patient’s specific risk factors and their preferences when determining the appropriate timing and dosage of opioid prescriptions. It’s advisable to opt for short-term prescriptions while keeping a vigilant eye on patients who may be at risk. It’s crucial to incorporate non-opioid pain relievers and regional anesthesia into tailored, multifaceted pain management plans. When addressing acute pain, it’s essential to steer clear of routinely prescribing long-acting opioids and instead focus on closely monitoring patients and having a well-defined plan for discontinuation.
PainSA is a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Our mission is to improve all aspects of pain management in Southern Africa.
