Pain Core Curriculum Module 6: Understanding and Assessing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain-Module 6: Understanding and Assessing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain

Module 6: Understanding and Assessing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the presentation "Understanding and Assessing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain," Sarah Edmond discusses the intricate relationship between chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). The educational objectives include understanding the neurobiological framework for OUD in chronic pain patients, differentiating OUD from chronic pain, and evaluating OUD in primary care. Two patient cases illustrate the complexity of OUD diagnosis: a 35-year-old female with migraines and multiple yellow/red flag behaviors indicative of OUD, and a 62-year-old male on high-dose opioids with poor pain-related functionality but without OUD behaviors.<br /><br />The presentation explores the neurobiological connections between pain and addiction, emphasizing that opioids can overstress the reward system and complicate recovery processes. It highlights the need for careful patient evaluations, considering both pain and psychosocial factors, while using tools like the Prescribed Opioids Difficulty Scale and the Opioid Risk Tool for assessments.<br /><br />Sarah emphasizes a patient-centered approach in managing chronic pain and potential OUD, recommending opioid tapering, non-opioid pain treatments, and evidence-based OUD treatment when necessary. Effective treatment requires addressing both chronic pain and OUD simultaneously to enhance patient outcomes.

Keywords

Opioid Use Disorder

Chronic Pain

Neurobiological Framework

Patient Evaluation

Opioid Risk Tool

Non-opioid Treatments

Patient-centered Approach