When evaluating opioid therapy, what aspect should clinicians NOT focus on?

In evaluating opioid therapy, clinicians should avoid focusing on providing more opioids as a primary consideration. This approach can perpetuate the cycle of dependence and can lead to increased risks of overdose and other adverse effects associated with opioid use. Instead, the emphasis should be on assessing and managing the patient's overall well-being, functional outcomes, and satisfaction with treatment, as well as monitoring for side effects and adherence to the prescribed regimen.

By concentrating on functional outcomes and patient satisfaction, clinicians can better understand the effectiveness of the therapy in improving the patient’s quality of life. Monitoring patient-reported side effects is crucial to ensure safety and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Similarly, evaluating adherence helps ensure that the patient is following the prescribed regimen, which is important for achieving optimal therapeutic results. Therefore, the goal in opioid therapy is to balance pain relief with the minimization of risks, rather than simply increasing the dosage of opioids.