Opioid Therapy in the Management of Chronic Pain: An Integrated Needs Assessment

"The scourge of life, and death's extreme disgrace, the smoke of hell — that monster called pain." – Sir Philip Sidney, 1554   Opioid Therapy in the Management of Chronic Pain: An Integrated Needs Assessment

In the United States, up to 40 percent of the adult population suffers from chronic pain; it is one of the most common management challenges for health care providers.  Left untreated or undertreated, chronic pain is associated with depression, unemployment, and significantly lower quality of life.  Fortunately, a range of therapies — including opioid medication — can be effective in improving functionality, minimizing chronic pain, and even eliminating it completely.

Understanding the forces, practices, and attitudes that impact the use of opioid therapy in chronic pain necessitates careful research and in-depth analysis.  In December 2009, Interstate Postgraduate Medical Association, Healthcare Performance Consulting, and the University of Cincinnati, in collaboration with the American Academy of Pain Management, completed a needs assessment addressing these issues.  The document integrates data from the following sources to to identify physician learning opportunities surrounding pain management:

• Survey and analysis of clinical literature surrounding chronic pain management, with emphasis on opioid treatment and breakthrough pain.

• Review of clinical guidelines on opioid therapy for chronic and breakthrough pain.

• In-depth interviews with stakeholders who have insights or influence in the area of pain management.

•  Analysis from a validated assessment tool completed by more than 250 pain management specialists. The tool assessed clinician treatment behavior, perceived competency, barriers to care, and clinical knowledge.

As a result of careful analysis of these elements, the authors present a set of conclusions regarding needs, practices, and attitudes in pain management.  Collectively, these findings can guide continuing medical education providers as they design activities to address gaps in chronic pain management. 

The needs assessment was funded by an educational grant from Cephalon.  The CME community is encouraged to use this document freely to address management of chronic pain in within certified CME activities.

For more information, please contact Amy Holthusen at aholthusen@ipmameded.org, or call Interstate Postgraduate Medical Association at (608) 237.6695.