POINT - Preventing an Opioid Epidemic in Norway: Focusing on Treatment of Chronic Pain

Overview

The investigators do research on chronic pain treatment to minimize the risks associated with opioids.

The investigators know that patients suffering from chronic pain need good treatment. The use of opioids for chronic, non-cancer related pain may seem appropriate in the short term, but can often have negative consequences for both the individual and society in the long term. Several factors-the escalating use of opioids to chronic pain patients, the increasing use of strong opioids in particular, and the increasing number of overdoses caused by prescription opioids-point to the start of an opioid epidemic in Norway. Objectives The overall goal of the POINT project is to provide knowledge to optimize treatment of patients with chronic pain in order to avoid unnecessary escalation of opioid treatment, improve their quality of life and reduce the burden of disease. In the long run our objective is to prevent the unwanted consequences of opioid treatment and improve patients' quality of life. Ultimately, through this project the investigators hope to prevent an opioid epidemic in Norway. To achieve the main goal, the investigators will focus on pain patients and their doctors, as increasing opioid use may occur through the patient-doctor interaction. Methods The project will develop and test a non-drug interventions that consist of an interdisciplinary group treatment . Financing The Research Council of Norway Cooperation St. Olavs Hospital Stavanger Hospital Trust City of Stavanger National Institute of Public Health (FHI) Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway (KoRFor) Foreningen for kroniske smertepasienter (FKS) Norwegian Forum of Disabled Peoples' Organizations (SAFO) Cooperation with other projects Injury Prevention and Outcomes following Trauma

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