Recent findings from A. Gupta and co-authors highlight research in palliative care.

New investigation results, 'Internet resources on managing chronic nonmalignant pain with opioids: the risks of addiction,' are detailed in a study published in Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. According to a study from the United States, "Chronic nonmalignant pain affects approximately 20% of the population. Internet resources for management of chronic pain have expanded in response to this growing population of chronic nonmalignant pain patients."

"As providers, it is necessary that we also are aware of what resources are available, particularly for patients with opioid use and possible addiction. Physicians need to be aware of the factors associated with opioids and take steps to mitigate the risk of abuse by individual patients. Discontinuation of opioid therapy needs to be adequately and appropriately addressed in patients with aberrant behavior and treated," wrote A. Gupta and colleagues (see also Palliative Care).

The researchers concluded: "This includes proper screening and monitoring and the use of emerging agents that will effectively control pain and are associated with a lower risk of abuse."

Gupta and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy (Internet resources on managing chronic nonmalignant pain with opioids: the risks of addiction. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 2010;24(1):71-5).

For more information, contact A. Gupta, Penn Pain Medicine, Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, 1840 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 USA.

Keywords: City:Philadelphia, State:PA, Country:United States, Palliative Care, Patient Care.

This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.