Opioid Stewardship: Navigating the Balance Between Pain Relief and Risk

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Karen Thompson

Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

: J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil

Abstract

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The opioid epidemic necessitates judicious prescribing practices balancing adequate pain control with risk minimization. Dr. Karen Thompson from Boston discusses opioid stewardship principles including patient risk assessment, prescribing guidelines, and monitoring. The lecture covers alternative analgesics, tapering protocols, and the use of prescription monitoring programs. Dr. Thompson emphasizes patient education and multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce misuse and diversion. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for safe opioid use in both acute and chronic pain contexts.

Biography

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Karen Thompson is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. She completed her MD at Harvard Medical School and fellowship in pain medicine. Dr. Thompson is a national leader in opioid stewardship and pain policy