Ethical perspectives: opioid treatment of chronic pain in the context of addiction.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

The authors apply eight ethical domains of analysis to the question of treatment of chronic pain with opioids in patients with histories of substance use disorders: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, medical condition, patient preference, quality of life, and consideration of specific individual or sociocultural issues. These eight domains are drawn from principle-based and case-based ethical perspectives. The domains are developed by review of available literature and through application to a specific presented case. Factors that interfere with rational, ethical decision-making regarding opioid pain management are identified. Chronic pain and substance use disorders share a history of stigmatization, underdiagnosis, and undertreatment. Using the presented case as a point of departure, the authors discuss principles for prescription of opioids for treatment of chronic noncancer pain in the setting of history of substance use disorders.

Volume

18

Issue

4 Suppl

First Page

99

Last Page

107

ISSN

0749-8047

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

12479260

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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