AANA journal course: Update for nurse anesthetists--part 6--The long-term use of opiates for pain control: Laputa revisited?

Research seeking to resolve issues regarding the use of opiate analgesia in treating non-cancer-related chronic pain is confusing. In caring for a patient experiencing pain, the relief of pain is the primary objective. Yet a number of significant concerns arise when evaluating and using opiates on a long-term basis. Specifc and measurable outcomes of functionality are available to guide use; attention to these may help to significantly improve outcome of long-term opiate therapy. This course provides an evidence-based approach to selecting and using opiates in the management of chronic, non-cancer-related pain, critiquing the appropriateness of the associated intervention(s).