Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, creating an estimated $600 billion each year in medical costs and lost productivity. While certain medications can help reduce pain and maintain quality of life, their long-term use comes with significant risks. A growing body of research shows that the right treatment approach can improve patient safety, even for those requiring long-term pain management.
Risks of Long-Term Pain Management Medications
Medications used for chronic pain relief can present challenges, such as tolerance, dependence, and other potential risks, including:
- Nausea and bowel disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances and abnormal breathing
- Cardiovascular risks
- Increased risk of falls
- Hormone disruption
For patients who require long-term pain relief, their healthcare needs are often complex. Providers must weigh numerous factors, including the patient’s quality of life, when deciding whether to recommend continuing or tapering medication use.
What New Research Shows
A study described in Mayo Clinic Proceedings evaluated how healthcare utilization changed among 772 patients receiving long-term therapy for chronic, non-cancer pain. These patients were enrolled in a controlled substance agreement (CSA) in 2015.
Researchers compared patient data from 12 months before and after CSA enrollment, focusing on metrics such as reductions in hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient care.
The study found that CSA enrollment was associated with decreased outpatient visits, particularly among patients with greater comorbidities.
Key Components of an Effective Controlled Substance Agreement (CSA)
Patients enrolled in a CSA receive individualized care plans for managing their pain, including:
- Psychological screening
- Pain monitoring
- Prescription monitoring programs
- Drug testing to assess medication use
- Encouraging patients to work with a single care team for prescriptions
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Guidance on safe medication storage
- Warnings about sharing or adjusting medications without consultation
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Dependency
For individuals struggling with dependency on certain medications, treatment options are available to reduce reliance.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a proven approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT provides an effective pathway for individuals managing dependency and may be tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
The FDA recommends that individuals seeking treatment for dependency be offered access to approved medications. Providers should work closely with patients to periodically reassess their need for MAT, which can sometimes be a long-term or indefinite solution.
Besides understanding their patients’ treatment needs, behavioral health providers need the right tools to operate an effective practice. Contact BestNotes today to learn how EHR and CRM solutions can support your team and improve patient outcomes.