In this piece we look at the opioid crisis in the UK and how it has translated into clinical practice. Hear about the history and data behind opioid prescription trends, specifically highlighting the high-risk patient demographics and mortality figures associated with opioid use.

Learn how a multidisciplinary approach, taken by the opioid reduction service at Guy's & St. Thomas', helps showcase early outcome data and the strategies employed in opioid weaning. Emphasizing the importance of patient engagement and personalized care we detail the clinic's processes, preparations, and long-term strategies for opioid tapering. The episode concludes with a compelling patient testimonial video reflecting the positive outcomes of the service.

Fauzia Hasnie, Consultant Lead, Opioid Multidisciplinary Pain Management Clinic, Joint Lead, Combined Sickle-Opioid Virtual Multidisciplinary Clinic Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

Resources:

UK National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines: Overview | Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: safe prescribing and withdrawal management for adults | Guidance | NICE

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guideline Recommendations and Guiding Principles | Overdose Prevention | CDC