Medical Student 8 Hour Buprenorphine Training-Webinar 3a: Guide to Rational Opioid Prescribing - The Nature of Chronic Pain and the Role of Opioids

Webinar 3a: Guide to Rational Opioid Prescribing - The Nature of Chronic Pain and the Role of Opioids

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video discusses the core concepts of chronic pain and the use of opioids in its management. The speaker emphasizes the importance of clinicians having the knowledge and skills to identify and manage pain syndromes and safely use opioids. The speaker explains that chronic pain is different from acute pain in that it lasts for at least three months, does not necessarily correlate with tissue damage, and has no protective function. The transition from acute to chronic pain is still under study, but neuroimmune modulations are believed to play a role. The video also highlights the impact of chronic pain on a patient's life, noting that it disrupts every moment of the day and often leads to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, chronic pain is described as a disease unto itself, reinforced and progressive. The video addresses challenges in pain management, including the high cost of pain, the need for proactive and systematic treatment, and the importance of treating all the elements involved in chronic pain, including biological, psychological, and social factors. The speaker advocates for a patient-centered approach, being curious, sharing control with the patient, and setting clear limits. Regarding opioid use, the video emphasizes the lack of robust evidence for long-term efficacy, the risks involved, and the need for a multimodal approach to pain management. The speaker encourages clinicians to consider other treatment options before prescribing opioids and to monitor for efficacy and safety. The video concludes with a brief role play scenario discussing treatment options for knee pain and the need to try different modalities before considering opioids.

Keywords

chronic pain

opioids

pain management

acute pain

neuroimmune modulations

psychological issues

patient-centered approach