Abstract
Background
Pain is one of the most common reasons patients present to the emergency department
(ED). Emergency physicians should be aware of the numerous opioid and nonopioid alternatives
available for the treatment of pain.
Objectives
To provide expert consensus guidelines for the safe and effective treatment of acute
pain in the ED.
Methods
Multiple independent literature searches using PubMed were performed regarding treatment
of acute pain. A multidisciplinary panel of experts in Pharmacology and Emergency
Medicine reviewed and discussed the literature to develop consensus guidelines.
Recommendations
The guidelines provide resources for the safe use of opioids in the ED as well as
pharmacological and nonpharmacological alternatives to opioid analgesia. Care should
be tailored to the patient based on their specific acute painful condition and underlying
risk factors and comorbidities.
Conclusions
Analgesia in the ED should be provided in the most safe and judicious manner, with
the goals of relieving acute pain while decreasing the risk of complications and opioid
dependence.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 06, 2018
Accepted:
January 21,
2018
Received:
January 9,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
