Media Advisory/Interview Opportunity - New guidelines for safe and effective
use of opioid therapy

Medical Pain Experts Available for Comment

TORONTO, May 3 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) published a summary of recommendations from the National Opioid Use Guideline Group (NOUGG) detailing strategies for safe and effective use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain. The Canadian Pain Society (CPS) has long advocated for safe and effective use of opioids for pain and published guidelines on this topic in 1998 and 2002. We therefore support any initiative that improves patient care and reduces risks. Our hope is that the NOUGG recommendations will encourage appropriate pain management and not become a barrier to adequate treatment for people with pain.

As a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain, the CPS believes that all patients have the right to the best pain relief possible. As a result of inadequate education, pain is often poorly understood among Canadian health care professionals and therefore often undertreated. We hope these guidelines will help increase awareness for treatment options and foster dialogue between patients and their health care professionals which will ultimately lead to a better quality of life for pain sufferers.

The CPS believes almost all acute and cancer pain can be relieved, and many patients with chronic non-malignant pain can be helped. As a Society we believe patients, families, and health professionals need to understand pain management strategies, including non-pharmacological techniques and the appropriate use of opioids.

Interview opportunities

National, provincial and local members of the CPS are available to comment on the NOUGG recommendations and provide expert insight into the new Canadian practice guidelines.

About the Canadian Pain Society (www.canadianpainsociety.ca)

The Canadian Pain Society has been a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain since 1982. The aim of the CPS is to foster and encourage research on pain mechanisms and pain syndromes and to help improve the management of patients with acute and chronic pain by bringing together the basic scientists and health professionals of various disciplines and backgrounds who have an interest in pain research and management.

For further information: or to schedule an interview: Rob McEwan, Argyle Communications, [phone] ext.242, [email protected]