Opioids in chronic non-malignant pain - Patient selection

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), or chronic non-malignant pain, is generally defined as pain lasting at least two to six months or of a duration longer than the expected time for tissue healing. Patients with CNCP require a thorough assessment before deciding on treatment with opioids. They need a) a detailed pain history, b) assessment of the impact of pain on the patient, c) a directed physical examination, d) a review of previous diagnostic studies and a review of previous interventions, c) a drug history and f) an assessment of co-existing diseases or conditions.