Pain Management and Opioid Risk Mitigation in the Military

Opioid analgesics misuse is a significant military health concern recognized as a priority issue by military leadership. Opioids are among those most commonly prescribed medications in the military for pain management. The military' bus implemented opioid risk mitigation strategies, including the Sole Provider Program and the Controlled Drug Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, which tire used to identify and monitor for risk and misuse. However, there are substantial opportunities to build on these existing systems to belter ensure safer opioid prescribing and monitor for misuse. Opioid risk mitigation strategic implemented by the civil) in sector include establishing clinical guidelines for opioid prescribing and prescription monitoring programs. These strategies may help to inform opioid risk mitigation in the military health system. Reducing the risk of opioid misuse and improving quality of care for our Warfighters is necessary. This must be done through evidence-based approaches with an investment in research to improve patient care and prevent opioid misuse as well as its sequelae.