Clinical case study

Safe use of opioid analgesics for acute pain in the Emergency Department

Brian, a 21-year-old male, presents to the emergency department complaining of severe pain in his chest, due to an injury. How will you ensure that his pain is effectively and safely managed in the emergency department and on transition back into the community?

  • Start: 30 September 2022

  • Cost: free

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Accreditation

Pending endorsement

 

About

Brian, a 21-year-old male, presents to the emergency department complaining of severe pain in his chest, due to an injury. How will you ensure that his pain is effectively and safely managed in the emergency department and on transition back into the community?

This case study has been developed to support best practice guidelines and the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care Opioid Analgesic Stewardship in Acute Pain Clinical Care Standard.

 

Learning outcomes

Prescribers
  1. Assess both pain intensity and impact of acute pain on a patient’s function to guide appropriate choice of analgesia.
  2. Select multi-modal management strategies based on individual patient factors, to safely and effectively manage acute pain and minimise risk of harm from opioid analgesics.
  3. Identify and manage adverse effects of opioid analgesics to ensure safe use.
  4. Discuss pain management options with patients and their carers, and provide appropriate information to minimise risks and support recovery.

Pharmacists
  1. Describe how to assess both pain intensity and impact of acute pain on a patient’s function to guide appropriate choice of analgesia.
  2. Select multi-modal management strategies based on individual patient factors, to safely and effectively manage acute pain and minimise risk of harm from opioid analgesics
  3. Identify and manage common adverse effects of opioid analgesics to ensure safe use.
  4. Discuss pain management options with patients and their carers, and provide appropriate information to minimise risks and support recovery.

Nurses and others
  1. Assess both pain intensity and impact of acute pain on a patient’s function to guide appropriate choice of analgesia.
  2. Select multi-modal management strategies based on individual patient factors, to safely and effectively manage acute pain and minimise risk of harm from opioid analgesics.
  3. Identify and manage adverse effects of opioid analgesics to ensure safe use.
  4. Discuss pain management options with patients and their carers, and provide appropriate information to minimise risks and support recovery.
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