RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate states' experiences with abrupt changes in controlled substances (CS) prescribing, to determine whether states have action plans in place to manage such situations, and describe the components of any such plans. METHODS: A survey of executive directors of 51 medical boards was conducted to evaluate states' experiences with abrupt changes in CS prescribing, the extent of consumer complaints attributed to these events, and the types of plans in place to manage these situations. RESULTS: Forty-six executive directors of medical boards responded. Twenty boards (43.5 percent) confirmed that their state had experienced abrupt loss of CS providers and 11 (55 percent) of these executive directors indicated that the loss resulted in increased consumer complaints. The majority of executive directors (86 percent) had no action plan. Six executive directors reported some type of action plan or process consisting of regulatory action, patient-provider connection, professional education, patient education, or public notice. CONCLUSIONS: Most states do not have operational plans in place. However, a few have key strategies that may be useful in addressing potential problems following abrupt loss of a CS prescriber. State medical boards can play a significant role in the development of comprehensive preparedness plans to mitigate damage from the loss of CS prescribers in the community.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides , Sustancias Controladas , Atención a la Salud , Prescripciones de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Médicos/estadística & datos numéricos , Analgésicos Opioides/provisión & distribución , Sustancias Controladas/provisión & distribución , Atención a la Salud/legislación & jurisprudencia , Atención a la Salud/organización & administración , Consejo Directivo , Regulación Gubernamental , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Educación del Paciente como Asunto , Médicos/provisión & distribución , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Medicina Estatal , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos , Recursos HumanosRESUMEN
Questions from patients about pain conditions and analgesic pharmacotherapy and responses from authors are presented to help educate patients and make them more effective self-advocates. Nurses play a critical role in the care of people living with pain throughout the life span-from birth to death. They provide important services that strongly influence the quality and effectiveness of a pain care plan. The role of the professional nurse and his/her responsibilities in pain and palliative care are discussed throughout these questions and answers.
