News

New Guideline Key to Helping Address the Opioid Crisis

A statement from Dr. Brian O’Rourke, President and CEO of CADTH

Today the 2017 Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain was released and, on behalf of CADTH, I want to extend my congratulations to everyone involved in realizing this important achievement.

The updated guideline is a critical resource that will support pan-Canadian efforts to address the opioid crisis and improve the care provided to people living with chronic non-cancer pain. CADTH is especially proud that a link to our evidence on pain management has been included in the guideline as a practical resource for health care providers. We continue to receive and address a wide variety of research questions relating to opioids and pain management, so this resource will be frequently updated with the latest findings.

As an evidence-driven organization, CADTH recognizes that our commitment, made through the Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis, to provide scientific evidence on pain management interventions is tremendously important. In particular, we are striving to fill the unmet need for rigorous, balanced evidence on non-drug treatment options, including physical and psychological therapies, as well as multidisciplinary treatments.

It is difficult to overstate the devastating effects of the opioid crisis on patients, families, and communities across this country. And that is why this guideline is so important — it delivers practical recommendations to help minimize harm for a range of patients with chronic non-cancer pain.

There is no doubt that effectively addressing this crisis is a daunting task for those at the front lines. And while no single organization can independently solve the issues we face, we know that by working together, communicating, and being led by both compassion and the best evidence, we can turn the tide.