Response to Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Deprescribing Opioid Analgesics

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is pleased to provide a response to the consultation regarding the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Deprescribing Opioid Analgesics (the Guideline). Despite little evidence supporting extended use of opioid analgesics to treat non-cancer pain, many patients use such medication in spite of significant long-term risks. This is particularly problematic given the availability of alternative evidence-based approaches such as psychological treatment. The APS supports the responsible, evidence-based deprescribing of opioids for appropriate patients in favour of alternative evidence-based pain management techniques.

Although we commend the development of the guideline, we suggest that there may be a missed opportunity to promote a biopsychosocial model of pain to support patients on their deprescribing journey or, ideally prevent certain patients from taking opioid analgesics in the first place. Psychologists are well placed to assist General Practitioners (GPs) in supporting their patients to deprescribe opioid analgesics.

In summary, the APS recommends and highlights:

1. Greater focus on prevention and early intervention
2. Greater emphasis on the psychological influences of opioid use and misuse
3. Elevation of the role of psychologists
4. Role of patient education and empowerment
5. Importance of stigma reduction
6. Greater consideration of support for Australians in regional and remote communities
7. Importance of interdisciplinary teams

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