June 2011

August 22, 2011

Physicians need better tools for identifying patients at higher risk of opioid abuse and misuse, as well as better guidance on managing chronic pain patients. Is the limited use of opioid risk reduction tools in the primary care setting due to providers shunning the use of these tools because of a lack of good quality evidence supporting their effectiveness, or do primary care providers "lack a systematic way of identifying high-risk patients who need to be monitored closely?"

August 22, 2011

Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for patients who are addicted to opioids and, because it can be prescribed in a take-home dose, is an attractive alternative to methadone. Physicians who wish to prescribe buprenorphine in their practice must first meet several qualifications and obtain a waiver from SAMHSA and an identification number from the DEA. This article outlines the application process and includes links to additional online resources and support.

August 22, 2011

According to a recent systematic review, limited evidence exists to guide clinicians on the best approaches for managing pain in older (> 50 years of age) patients who have suffered a hip fracture. The strongest evidence supports nerve blockade to improve acute pain and to reduce risk for delirium. Data also suggest that preoperative traction does not improve relief from acute pain.

August 22, 2011

Physician lack of awareness, expertise, and experience with assessing and treating pain in children and adolescents has been identified as a key contributing factor in the widespread undertreatment of pain in this population. The online modules described below provide useful information and training that can be applied in the clinical setting to improve patient care.

August 22, 2011

Panel recommends consideration of several factors when selecting intrathecal drug treatment for patients with cancer pain.

August 22, 2011

News and notes on pain medicine studies and research announcements from around the world.

August 22, 2011

New measure strengthens the state prescription drug monitoring program, restricts in-office dispensing, and tightens rules on pain management clinics.

August 22, 2011

Use the information in these online resources and tools created by trusted sources to help your patients gain a better understanding of their condition and their treatment.

August 22, 2011

It has been legal to transmit prescriptions for federally designated controlled substances electronically since June 2010. Yet, few of the physicians who already have embraced electronic prescribing have been able to take advantage of the change in the law.

August 22, 2011

Another source of confusion among physicians looking to e-prescribe controlled substances is that rules differ in two federal incentive programs.

August 22, 2011

Why are the DEA's rules for e-prescribing of controlled substances so stringent and, perhaps, prohibitively difficult to comply with?

August 22, 2011

One major hurdle to e-prescribing of controlled substances is the fact that state laws differ.

August 22, 2011

After years of false starts and disappointing products and software, a new generation of tablet PCs, led by the Apple iPad, appears poised for widespread adoption in the clinical setting. What makes the current crop of devices so useful for busy physicians? It all comes down to the perfect combination of form and function.

August 13, 2011

Study finds differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients when it comes to medical decision-making and preferred sources of medical information.