Joint Commission issues advisory on nonpharmacologic, nonopioid treatments for pain

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission on August 28 issued a new Quick Safety advisory that focuses on evidenced-based, nonopioid and nonpharmacologic treatment options for pain.

Among the options:

• behavioral/cognitive/psychological interventions (ie, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation)
• environmental-based interventions (ie, lighting alterations, music therapy)
• physical interventions (ie, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal manipulation)
• nonopioid pharmacological interventions (ie, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, topical products).

Safety actions for organizations to consider when providing clinicians information and support to help them facilitate nonphamacologic and nonopioid solutions also are outlined in the advisory.