Top resources and tools for physician management of chronic pain in the canadian armed forces

Abstract

Introduction : Chronic pain management is challenging for clinicians as it requires knowledge of a broad range of clinical practice guidelines alongside emerging tools and resources to maintain clinical competency. Methods: Medical and educational experts in family medicine and psychiatry were consulted and framed their review around five key questions that address underlying guidelines, advances in therapeutics, best practices in prescribing, and awareness of resources available to the Canadian military patient and military care provider. Results: This article lists key Canadian chronic pain guidelines, evidence-based tools for prescribing opioids and medical cannabis, and top resources clinicians can use to maintain and expand their competencies in chronic pain management within the Canadian military health care system. Discussion: For the first time, a comprehensive look at current chronic pain management from the lens of the general duty medical officer in the Canadian Armed Forces is presented.