Opioid Reforms Consumer feedback

Following the changes to the availability of opioid medications on 1 June 2020, Painaustralia has continued to hear consumer concerns around the barriers the new changes have created to effective pain management.

The regulatory changes have had a major impact on the prescribing of opioids for the management of pain. These changes form part of a broader suite of measures intended to support appropriate use of opioids and other pain medications, including education and awareness campaigns, changes to clinical guidelines and ongoing prescription and compliance monitoring.

Broadly, these changes have seen smaller quantities, changes to the ‘indications’ that will be funded, and changes to the authority process required for opioids to be subsidised.

Painaustralia is collecting stories about how people with chronic pain have been impacted by the opioid reforms implemented on 1 June 2020. If this is you, a loved one or if you work in the sector please complete the two-minute survey to have your say.

The responses will inform Painaustralia's advocacy including to Government and the Department of Health. The research will also be used to guide communication and resources to support the ongoing reforms.

To participate in our survey, click here.