Safe and Responsible Use of Traditional Opioids in GP

Opioid analgesics continue to have an important role in the management of non-cancer chronic pain, however “the US opioid crisis” has shown us that it must be done more carefully, with full awareness of both the benefits and risks. Prof Milton Cohen, Rheumatologist and Pain Specialist, St Vincent’s Hospital, is one of Australia’s leading pain management experts, and in this talk he will describe a practical framework for GPs to use when considering the use of traditional opioids and subsequent initiation, monitoring and communication with the patient on the treatment journey.