RESUMO
ABSTRACT: Dilemmas regarding opioid prescribing for chronic pain frequently occur within health care settings. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, as well as the principles of care ethics, can assist in addressing these opioid-related dilemmas. The purpose of this clinical case study is to provide a case study highlighting an opioid prescribing dilemma and then identify opioid-related transition considerations; address ethical questions that nurse practitioners (NPs) may encounter in clinical practice when providing care for individuals living with chronic pain who may need or use a prescribed opioid medication; and draw on the ethical principles and care ethics to provide guidance for NPs who face these challenging issues.
Assuntos
Analgésicos Opioides , Dor Crônica , Humanos , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapêutico , Dor Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Tomada de Decisões/ética , Profissionais de Enfermagem , Manejo da Dor/métodos , Manejo da Dor/normas , Manejo da Dor/ética , Reumatologia/métodos , Reumatologia/normasRESUMO
The diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pain is complex, nuanced, and challenging in primary care settings. These challenges often give rise to internal provider conflicts around appropriate management strategies, perhaps avoiding diagnosis all together. Factors that contribute to internal provider conflict include knowledge, responsibility, and uncertainties surrounding chronic pain management. This piece acknowledges the complexity and competing priorities of chronic pain management from a provider perspective. We advocate for coordinated and committed care of patients with chronic pain and a sense of shared responsibility among providers to adequately address patient needs.