New care models reduce opioid use and improve pain management

December 11, 2024

Study design: The VOICE randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of two care models—integrated pain team (IPT) and pharmacist collaborative management (PCM)—in improving pain and reducing opioid use among patients on long-term opioid therapy. This pragmatic, multisite trial included participants from various Veterans Affairs primary care clinics, who were followed for 12 months.

Results: Both IPT and PCM improved pain outcomes and reduced opioid dosages. Pain response occurred in 16.4% of IPT patients vs. 14.9% of PCM patients (OR, 1.11; P = .61). IPT achieved a 50% opioid dose reduction in 25.3% of patients vs. 24.6% in PCM (OR, 1.03; P = .85). Over 12 months, mean pain scores improved and mean daily opioid dosage decreased in both groups.

Impact on clinical practice: Implementing IPT and PCM models can lead to better pain management and reduced reliance on opioids for patients on long-term opioid therapy. This could inform future guidelines and policies aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and improving patient care

Source:

Krebs EE, et al; VOICE Study Group. (2024, December 9). JAMA Intern Med. Care Models to Improve Pain and Reduce Opioids Among Patients Prescribed Long-Term Opioid Therapy: The VOICE Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39652356/