Opiates for chronic nonmalignant pain syndromes: can appropriate candidates be identified for outpatient clinic management?

Objective: To better define patients appropriate for opiate management for chronic pain syndromes.

Design: Retrospective study of 65 patients with noncancerous pain syndromes who were on or being considered for opiates and who were transitioned into a structured outpatient clinic with close monitoring and management. Noncompliance with this outpatient pain management program was the primary outcome.