Patients say CDC opioid guidelines hurting pain care quality: 8 insights

A survey from Pain News Network, conducted with the support of the International Pain Foundation, asked patients their thoughts on the CDC's new opioid prescribing guidelines.

The groups surveyed 3,108 pain patients.

Here's what you should know:

1. More than 90 percent of patients believe the CDC guidelines have not improved the quality of pain care.

2. More than 40 percent of patients strongly disagree with the CDC's belief that there are better and safer alternatives to opioids for pain treatment.

3. The patients split when asked if the guidelines were voluntary (42 percent) or rules (38 percent).

4. More than 80 percent of patients do not believe the guidelines have prevented opioid abuse or overdoses.

5. The guidelines have lowered the amount of opioids prescribed. Twenty-three percent of respondents were no longer prescribed opioids, 47.9 percent were prescribed a lower dose of opioids, 24.28 percent were prescribed the same dose of opioids and 1.68 percent were prescribed higher doses.

6. However, 84.2 percent of respondents said their pain and quality of life has worsened since the new guidelines were implemented. Forty-two percent said they considered suicide because of how poorly their pain was treated, and 22 percent said they're hoarding opioids because they're unsure they will be able to get them in the future.

7. Forty-eight percent of respondents said it has been harder to find a physician willing to treat chronic pain.

8. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they believe the guidelines were harmful.

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