Pain Management and Opioid Misuse/Abuse
Chronic pain represents a substantial public health issue with tremendous economic, social and medical costs. As the percentage of the U.S. population utilizing opioid analgesics for pain control grows, so does the rate of abuse, misuse and overdose of these drugs. As a family physician, you recognize the seriousness of the prescription drug abuse problem in our country. At the same time, it is imperative that we address the ongoing public health requirement to provide adequate pain management.
Additional information can be found at:
American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP provides a collection of resources on this issue for family physicians and for your patients.
Michigan Automated Prescription System
The Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) is the prescription monitoring program for the State of Michigan. Online registration to MAPS is required to submit prescription data electronically and to request patient controlled substance history reports.
PERFORM® Online
PERFORM® (Patient Evaluation Resources for Opioid Risk Management) Online is a website resource designed to provide information on how to assess and minimize the risk of medication misuse and abuse in patients who may be appropriate for opioid therapy. This website contains:
- interactive vignettes;
- pain assessment and risk assessment tools;
- documentation and monitoring information;
- information on urine drug testing in clinical practice; and
- other useful educational materials.
As a health care professional-only website, registration on the site is needed for access to this web resource. Registration is free-of-charge and your information will not be sold. If you have any questions about registration or need assistance with this website, please contact the MAFP at 517.347.0098.
Helping Patients Use OTC Medications Safely
Each year, thousands of children younger than 12 end up in emergency rooms as a result of misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Help educate your patients about safe, effective use of OTC cold and cough medications. FamilyDoctor.org has developed patient education handouts available for free download.