In a significant collaborative effort, Grace Lim, MD, MSc, Chief of the UPMC Division of Obstetric & Women's Anesthesiology, has played a key role in developing new guidelines for managing pain in pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. The work was part of her involvement with the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative Alliance for Innovation in Maternal Health (AIM) team, which collaborates on initiatives to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
The consensus statement, a joint effort involving the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), provides comprehensive guidelines and best practices for healthcare providers. It is set to be published in the journals Anesthesia & Analgesia and the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
On July 11, Dr. Lim, along with Cresta Jones, MD, FACOG, FASAM, from the University of Minnesota, presented these guidelines during an episode of the AIM Technical Assistance Program's Webinar Series. The episode, titled "Peripartum Pain Management for Patients with Substance Use Disorder," offers valuable insights into managing pain for this patient population. The webinar is available for viewing on Vimeo.
The webinar aimed to educate healthcare professionals on the unique needs and challenges of managing pain in peripartum patients with substance use disorders. Drs. Jones and Lim discussed the need to adjust perinatal pain management for patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder, identified potential challenges to achieving optimal pain treatment, and introduced a template for optimizing pain management.
Dr. Lim emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to pain management, saying, "To effectively manage pain in patients with substance use disorder, particularly opioid use disorder, it is crucial to address not only the biological aspects of pain but also the social and psychological components. Current evidence on pain management in this population often overlooks these elements, highlighting an area in need of further study. However, the fundamental principles of labor pain control—being patient-centered and patient-driven—still apply."
The new consensus statement, with contributions from Dr. Lim, represents a significant step forward in providing consistent and compassionate care for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. It underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach and a deeper understanding of the complex pain experiences of these patients.