Authors, Endorsement, Disclaimer, Conflicts of Interest & Abstract
This guideline is endorsed by the following professional groups: Cape Pelvic Pain Society, PainSA, South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association, and South African Society of Anaesthesiologists.
Authors
- M. Raff, BSc, MB ChB, FCA (SA) (Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa)
- J. Crosier, MB ChB, ChM, FRCS, FCS (SA) (Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa)
- S. Eppel, MB ChB, FRCS(Edin), ABU (USA) (Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa)
- H. Meyer, MB ChB, MPraxMed, MFGP (SA), FCFP (SA) (Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa)
- B. Sarembock, MB ChB, FCP (SA), RHEUM (SA) (Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa)
- D. Webb, BSc (Hons), MB ChB (Pattacus Medical Consulting, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Corresponding author: M Raff (raffs@iafrica.com)
Endorsement
This guideline is endorsed by the following professional groups:
- Cape Pelvic Pain Society
- PainSA
- South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association
- South African Society of Anaesthesiologists
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents at the time of publication, the authors do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained nor accept any liability, with respect to loss, damage, injury or expense, arising from any errors or omissions in the contents of this work. Reference in the guideline to specific pharmaceutical products does not imply endorsement of any of these products.
Conflicts of Interest
The development of this guideline was supported by an unrestricted grant from Mundipharma who did not participate in the development or writing of the guideline. Dr M Raff has received honoraria for consultancies and non-restricted research grants from Mundipharma, Pfizer, Janssen Pharmaceutica, AstraZeneca, MSD, Eli Lilly, Aspen and Abbott Laboratories. Drs J Crosier and S Eppel have received honoraria from Mundipharma. Prof. H Meyer has received honoraria for consultancies and non-restricted research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Eli Lilly, MSD and Mundipharma. Dr B Sarembock has received honoraria for consultancies and non-restricted research grants from MSD, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Mundipharma. Dr D Webb has received professional fees for services to Abbott Laboratories, Adcock Ingram, Alcon Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Mundipharma, Novartis, and Reckitt Beckiser Pharmaceuticals.
Guideline Abstract
Chronic pain may have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and can be difficult to manage. In carefully selected patients, and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, opioid analgesia may help to achieve long-term pain control with a manageable side-effect profile and a low risk of serious adverse effects. However, appropriate evaluation, including biopsychosocial screening and risk screening is essential before initiating an opioid and during continued therapy. This guideline aims to assist practitioners in screening and selecting appropriate patients with chronic non-cancer pain to initiate, monitor and continue pain management with opioid therapy.
S Afr Med J 2014;104(1 Suppl 1):78-89. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.7316