Table 3.

Safe and Appropriate Use of Opioids in Chronic Pain Management87

1	Patient should be selected and regularly assessed
2	Non-pain specialists need access to expert advice
3	Opioids should be prescribed by competent doctors
4	The correct dose is the lowest possible dose
5	Clear treatment goals should be agreed with the patients
6	Close on-going patient supervision is recommended to reassess the benefits and risks of continued therapy
7	Opioids should be tapered down or discontinued, if benefits do not outweigh risks
8	Patients and their families should be educated on safe opioid use and storage
9	Patients should be made aware of the potential for misuse, abuse and addiction
10	Signs of addictive behavior should be monitored and addressed
11	Opioids should be dispensed by competent pharmacists