Sustainable access to prescription opioids for use in palliative care

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Sustainable access to prescription opioids for use in palliative care

Thursday, May 09, 2019

A position statement by PCA, also endorsed by other key bodies, including ANZSPM and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. There is increasing focus on opioid prescribing regulations for chronic pain. In efforts to reduce inappropriate prescribing that can lead to harm from misuse and abuse of opioids, palliative care patients are placed at risk of unintended harm through reduced opioid prescribing. All Australians receiving palliative care must be able to access the necessary opioids to manage and prevent suffering from uncontrolled pain and other symptoms. There is a need to increase understanding of appropriate use of opioids and provide leadership and guidance in resultant regulatory processes for the community and prescribers.

Sustainable access to prescription opioids for use in palliative care

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