Ali Pourmand1, Gregory Jasani2, Courtney Shay2, Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi3,4. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Center, The George Washington University, 2120 L St, Washington, DC, 20037, USA. Pourmand@gwu.edu. 2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Center, The George Washington University, 2120 L St, Washington, DC, 20037, USA. 3. Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA. 4. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the study is to evaluate and analyze the role of both opioid and non-opioid analgesics in the emergency department (ED). RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have shown that the implementation of opioid-prescribing policies in the ED has the potential to reduce the opioid addiction burden. Clinical studies point to inconsistencies in providers' approach to pain treatment. In this review, we discuss specific aspects of opioid utilization and explore alternative non-opioid approaches to pain management. Pain is the most common reason patients present to the ED. As such, emergency medicine (EM) providers must be well versed in treating pain. EM providers must be comfortable using a wide variety of analgesic medications. Opioid analgesics, while effective for some indications, are associated with significant adverse effects and abuse potential. EM providers should utilize opioid analgesics in a safe and rational manner in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic and to avoid therapeutic misadventures. EM providers should be aware of all of their therapeutic options, e.g., opioid and non-opioid, in order to provide effective analgesia for their patients, while avoiding adverse effects and minimizing the potential for misuse.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the study is to evaluate and analyze the role of both opioid and non-opioid analgesics in the emergency department (ED). RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have shown that the implementation of opioid-prescribing policies in the ED has the potential to reduce the opioid addiction burden. Clinical studies point to inconsistencies in providers' approach to pain treatment. In this review, we discuss specific aspects of opioid utilization and explore alternative non-opioid approaches to pain management. Pain is the most common reason patients present to the ED. As such, emergency medicine (EM) providers must be well versed in treating pain. EM providers must be comfortable using a wide variety of analgesic medications. Opioid analgesics, while effective for some indications, are associated with significant adverse effects and abuse potential. EM providers should utilize opioid analgesics in a safe and rational manner in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic and to avoid therapeutic misadventures. EM providers should be aware of all of their therapeutic options, e.g., opioid and non-opioid, in order to provide effective analgesia for their patients, while avoiding adverse effects and minimizing the potential for misuse.
Authors: Jennifer L Humensky; Zainab Abedin; Kawthar Muhammad; Michelle McClave; Tiara Torres; Elisabeth Swift DiMaria; Muredach P Reilly; Harold Alan Pincus Journal: J Clin Transl Sci Date: 2019-10-30
Authors: Rebekah Brennan; Mayyada Wazaify; Haneen Shawabkeh; Ian Boardley; Jim McVeigh; Marie Claire Van Hout Journal: Drug Saf Date: 2021-07-30 Impact factor: 5.606