Here are six ways:
1. Ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. Refrain from prescribing opioids for new patients with chronic noncancer pain unless you deem the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. Instead, try nonpharmacological therapy and nonopioid pharmacological therapy.
2. Prescribe lower effective doses. For postoperative care and acutely injured patients, limit the amount of dose so you are prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. The patient’s pain should be severe enough to need opioids.
3. Register and utilize the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
4. Work compassionately.
5. Help patients. If a patient suffers from an opioid use disorder, help them get evidence-based treatment.
6. Co-prescribe naloxone. Co-prescribe naloxone for patients at risk for overdose.
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