New guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach have the potential to help patients in need while minimising inappropriate use of opioids
With an estimated community prevalence of about 20%, chronic non-malignant pain represents a significant but neglected and often poorly managed problem in Australia. In 2007, the cost of chronic pain to the community was estimated at $34 billion, which included burden of disease and productivity costs, each accounting for one-third of the total, and one-fifth ($7 billion) attributed to health system costs.1 Its prevalence and associated costs will rise as the population ages.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
Milton Cohen is on a medical advisory board for Mundipharma, from whom he has received consultancy and speaker fees. He has received speaker fees from iNova Pharmaceuticals.