Prof. Hannah Wunsch: "Use of Opioids in the ICU and After"

The treatment of pain is an essential component of the care of critically ill patients. Opioids are a mainstay of this care in the ICU, used for both analgesia and sedation. However, recent trends in the overall use of opioids in the population have raised concerns regarding the potential for acute exposure to lead to long-term dependence or abuse. This talk will review the current evidence for best use of opioids in the ICU and address the concern as to whether exposure during critical illness may impact long-term prescribing.