NSW ACI launches new resources

The New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation (NSW ACI) has developed an opioid quicksteps guide to assist clinicians with a stepped approach to the use of opioids for pain management. The guide has been developed by a working group with the NSW ACI in response to the increasing evidence which points to the potential harm and lack of effectiveness of opioid medications > 60 mg oral morphine equivalent daily dose for treating people with chronic non cancer pain.

The on-line guide will take clinicians step by step from considering prescribing, to starting opioids to then reducing opioids. An aim of the guide is to provide clinicians, especially general practitioners, with a tool which outlines a balanced approach to opioid prescribing supported by non-pharmacological self-management approaches. The on-line guide is available on the ACI website.

The Opioid Quicksteps Guide can be accessed here.

The NSW ACI has also developed a new resource aimed at consumers with acute lower back pain. Low back pain is a common condition, with the recent Global Burden of Disease study revealing it to be one of the leading causes of disability internationally. It is known to prevent many Australians from continuing a productive and happy life.

The model of care outlined in the resource was developed with an overarching aim of supporting people with acute low back pain to self-manage their condition, reduce the risk of spiralling into a chronic pain state and maintain their participation in work, family and social life to the full.

Consumer information on Best Practice Care for people with acute low back pain can be accessed here.