Question

10) How would you sort through the ethical issues regarding patients with legitimate needs for strong pain medication being limited because of others in the system abusing these medications?

Answer 1

The physicians cannot avoid the difficult and complicated task of determining the appropriateness of the painkillers especially an opioid prescription for uncontrolled pain. The basic ethical obligation is to understand current knowledge and practical skill in making these decisions in prescribing analgesics. Health authorities and other standard guidelines such as Controlled drugs and substances act regulate chronic pain management treatments. The decision should cover ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy and justice. Also, it is essential to keep current understanding about legal and regulatory changes and provincial electronic registries of pain killer prescriptions. The healthcare professionals might argue that the benefits of pain relief must be weighed against the potential adverse effects of attempting to relieve pain. The treating physicians should analyze the pain management therapy and patient's condition before prescribing medications. Also, the choice of pain killers, dose and frequency also should be calibrated and monitored throughout the therapy to prevent drug abuse.