Table 2.

Common Themes for Pain Management Endorsed by All Guidelines

Use of nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid pharmacologic therapy

Assessment of an individual’s likely benefit and risk prior to initiating opioid treatment

Development and implementation of strategies to maintain patient safety and minimize the risk of opioid misuse based on patient history and risk factors

Continuous monitoring and regular evaluations of effectiveness and necessity of opioid therapy

Patient education on goals of treatment and safer use of opioid analgesics

Optimization of adjuvant analgesics, psychosocial support, and interventional therapies in conjunction with opioid therapy

Gradual opioid dose reduction, when indicated, to prevent withdrawal symptoms