Does the APS guideline discuss only analgesics and adjuvants for which there is unambiguous evidence of effectiveness?
The pharmacologic management section makes statements as definite as possible about opioids, non-opioids, and co-analgesics for which there is evidence. If a drug is known to cause undesirable side-effects, the guideline makes that clear also. For example it states: “meperidine should not be used in the management of chronic cancer pain.” Q: What features of practice guidelines are critical to improve practice? A: A practice guideline needs to be able to assist clinicians to make decisions, so it must be easily followed. It must be a tool with the kind of flexibility required in a typical clinical setting, yet it must provide specific recommendations that can lead to better pain control. Q: Were flexibility or ease of use factors in selecting an algorithm-based approach to cancer pain management? A: Algorithms were chosen because the panel wanted to emphasize that cancer pain management is a continuous process involving pain assessment leading to a certain treatment plan, itself leadin
