New Canadian clinical guideline for physicians tapers down use of Opioids 

On May 8, 2017, Canadian physicians were advised to reduce their prescribing of opioid medication to patients with chronic non-cancer pain in a new guideline for clinical care that focuses on harm reduction. The guideline was developed in response to concerns that Canadians are the second highest users per capita of opioids in the world, while the rates of opioid prescribing and opioid-related hospital visits and deaths have been increasing rapidly. An estimated 15% to 19% of Canadians live with chronic non-cancer pain, which is pain lasting more than three months and interfering with daily activities. The guideline does not look at opioid use for acute pain, nor for patients with pain due to cancer or in palliative care, or those under treatment for opioid use disorder or opioid addiction. 

The guideline’s recommendations for clinical practice have been developed by an international team of clinicians, researchers and patients, led by the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre at McMaster University and funded by Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The guideline was published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The guideline presents recommendations for physicians, but are not regulatory requirements.

View the guidelines.  

Implications for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists working with patients with chronic pain and those with addictions are aware of the risks of opioid addiction.  Non-pharmacological treatment for chronic pain may include occupational therapy interventions.  Occupational therapy can be part of the opioid addiction crisis solution.  Now is a time for voices to promote the importance of an occupational therapy perspective in pain management.  Members interested to assist OSOT to position OT services within the context of an opioid addiction strategy are encourage to contact Christie Brenchley, Executive Director