Opioids and the Predilection for Violence in the Pain Clinic: A Physician’s Perspective

Abstract Pain physicians, more so than any other specialty, interact with a patient population that is significantly more likely to engage in violence. In this commentary on the article “Patient-on-Provider Violence in the Pain Clinic” by Judy George, we echo some of the points mentioned in the manu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ruben Schwartz, Ivan Urits, Alan D. Kaye, Omar Viswanath
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2019-08-01
Series:Pain and Therapy
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-019-00134-7
Description
Summary:Abstract Pain physicians, more so than any other specialty, interact with a patient population that is significantly more likely to engage in violence. In this commentary on the article “Patient-on-Provider Violence in the Pain Clinic” by Judy George, we echo some of the points mentioned in the manuscript. There needs to be a better system in place to identify and to deal with problem patients seeking drugs. Although there has been a push recently to move away from opioids with a patient-specific multimodal analgesic treatment plan with a focus on interventional pain procedures, opioids are still a part of the pain physician’s practice. The medical community must stand behind ensuring these doctors and their staff can practice in an environment that is safe for them and the patients they are caring for. This response fully complies with ethical guidelines. This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
ISSN:2193-8237
2193-651X