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American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Position Statement on Opioid Prescribing
Author(s) -
Shaw Erik,
Braza Diane W.,
Cheng David S.,
Ensrud Erik,
Friedman Andrew S.,
Hamilton Rita G.,
Miller J. Jason,
Nagpal Ameet S.,
Sharma Saloni
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pmandr
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1934-1563
pISSN - 1934-1482
DOI - 10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.05.004
Subject(s) - medicine , specialty , rehabilitation , chronic pain , health care , quality of life (healthcare) , addiction medicine , addiction , physical therapy , adverse effect , public health , family medicine , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , nursing , economics , economic growth
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical organization representing more than 10,000 physicians who are specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. PM&R physicians evaluate and treat injuries, illnesses, and disabilities and are experts in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans. Physiatrists use cutting-edge as well as time-tested treatments to maximize function and quality of life. The AAPM&R recognizes that the current opioid epidemic is one of the most devastating public health threats to our society. With 2 of 3 drug overdose deaths involving an opioid in 2016, we are concerned about the risk that opioids pose to the individual patient and the public at large when not used appropriately [1]. In addition, our specialty recognizes that chronic pain is the cause of suffering for more than 100 million Americans [2]. It is our goal to avoid adverse events associated with opioid usage, including addiction, misuse, abuse, diversion, and death. Our specialty is striving to mitigate overprescribing and to reduce stigma as well as the undertreatment of chronic pain. Many physiatrists are leaders of health care teams that provide essential care for patients presenting with both acute and long-term pain management needs. The physiatrist’s goal is to improve patient quality of life by developing a treatment plan that minimizes pain and maximizes daily functioning. Compelling scientific evidence shows that physical therapy, behavioral health, nonopioid medications, and interventional procedures may be better treatment options compared with opioids alone [3]. We strongly advocate for improvement in access to multimodal treatments for pain. It is vital that payers review their policies to increase the availability