Myra Christopher

Top tier pain medications, like Vicodin and Percocet, can be dangerous drugs.  They are opioids, and with over use or from medication interactions, they can arrest breathing.  To deal with the problem of careful medication adherence, some physicians are presenting patients with “pain contracts.”  If the patient complies, all is well; if not, the doctor can drop that person from his or her practice.  Myra Christopher, CEO of the Center for Practical Bioethics (Kansas City, MO) recently authored a study on pain contracts, which can offer legal protection to both patient and doctor.  This piece does not mention mobile phone apps for pain monitoring, but that opportunity is obvious.  MORE

Image Credit:  Center for Practical Bioethics