The American Academy of Pain Management
The American Academy of Pain Management is an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and integrative organization serving clinicians who treat people with pain through education, setting standards of care, and advocacy.
The American Academy of Pain Management News and Research is made possible, in part, by educational grants from the following sponsers:
Prescription Addiction, Diversion, and Abuse
Study determines critical skills for PCPs to safely manage opioid risk in chronic pain patients
March 16, 2012 Source: Inflexxion, Inc.
Primary care physicians are faced with treating a large proportion of chronic pain patients, but many do not often have specific training in the assessment and management of chronic pain, including the use of opioid medications for chronic pain management. Experts in a new study identified the most important skills for PCPs managing opioid risk in chronic pain patients as how to monitor opioids and how to assess for risk factors.
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DEA targets retailers to stem Rx drug abuse
March 16, 2012 Source: MedPage Today
After targeting pill mills and unscrupulous doctors in Florida -- the epicenter of the nation's prescription painkiller epidemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is turning its sights on other points in the drug diversion chain: major distributors and retailers.
DEA spokesperson Mia Ro claims that the organization isn't making a special push against retailers or distributors; rather, the orders were brought on by red flags raised by the agency's routine monitoring of registrants.
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Articles Dissect the Panicky War on Rx-Opioids
March 13, 2012 Source: Pain-Topics.org News/Research Updates.
Without knowing better, one would think that reporter Radley Balko was writing about some long-forgotten totalitarian country; except, he is describing the United States, today, with its ongoing war against prescription opioid analgesics — and against the professionals who prescribe those medications. Most readers will be upset by what he has to say, they may be fearful or angry, but none will be disinterested.
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For Your Practice
Difficult conversations: When a patient appears intoxicated or somnolent. Part VII
March 21, 2012 Source: PainEdu.org.
Difficult Conversations: When a Patient Appears Intoxicated or Somnolent
When a patient who has been prescribed opioids arrives intoxicated or somnolent, it's a serious danger sign--and usually exposes an ongoing problem. "The medical office may be an unlikely place where the patient exhibits deteriorating function," says pain and addiction expert Ilene Robeck, MD. In this article, she discusses next steps for such patients: evaluating for substance use disorder, detox and treatment, and continuing pain treatment without opioids.
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Monitoring patients on chronic opioid therapy: Course-in-a-box
March 2012;97(3) Source: PainEdu.org Newsletter
Patients who receive opioid therapy for chronic pain can be at risk for addiction, misuse, abuse, and diversion of their medication. Such patients need to be reassessed periodically, especially when there are changes to their condition or psycho-social circumstances. This downloadable PowerPoint™ presentation covers best practices for monitoring, risk/benefit assessment, and the use of screening tools. Log-in is required.
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Chronic pain: a personalized learning nitiative
MedScape. March 2012 (log-in required)
Based on the results of a baseline assessment, the program provides you with a personalized learning plan that recommends relevant CME-certified activities that are designed to help you improve your knowledge and skills.
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Chronic pain in America: treatment initiation [video]
MedScape. released February 24, 2012 (log-in required)
This activity is intended for primary care physicians, anesthesiologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and all healthcare providers who may encounter and manage patients with chronic pain. The goal of this activity is to help clinicians develop communication plans for pain patients, including instructions on safe use.
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For Your Patients
Caregiving and support
April 2012 Source: American Pain Foundation. Target Pain
Contents: The Ins and Outs of Personal Caregiving, Avoiding Caregiver Burnout, Resources for Caregivers, A Perspective from a Person with Pain, 8 Ways to Get More Laughter in Your Life.
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The cause and effect of migraines
March 20, 2012 Source: Society for Women's Health Research
A migraine is the most common type of headache that propels patients to seek care from their doctors. Roughly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, with women affected almost three times more often than men. Several risk factors have been identified that increase a person's chance of having migraines. Unfortunately, migraines have no known cure, but they can be managed effectively with the help of a health care provider.
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How to live well with chronic pain: steps you can take today
March 2012 Source: Pain Monitor (American Pain Foundation).
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you live with chronic pain. But you can take back control of your life. Life can be enjoyed and lived well, so start with these basic steps.
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Top ten tips: make the most of your medical visits
March 2012 Source: Pain Monitor.
You play an instrumental role in making interactions with your provider successful. These communication tips can help you get the most out of your appointment.
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Rejuvenate and recharge
March 2012 Source: Pain Monitor (American Pain Foundation).
When you live with pain, it can be difficult sometimes to come up with realistic changes or goals for self-care. Read more about gentle ways to take care of yourself and rejuvenate your spirit.
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