Title: Introductory information

Context:
This guideline can be used in a variety of ways. This guideline can be used by general clinicians or specialists to study and consider the latest information on opioid therapy (OT) and how and whether to incorporate that information or recommendations into their practice. It can be used to provide specific information to guide a patient encounter, such as looking up the dosing of a medication used less frequently or the meaning of the urine drug testing (UDT) result. The section on tapering and its accompanying appendix can be used to assist in the development of a framework for guiding an individualized, informed discussion when tapering is being considered. Patients can examine the guideline to educate themselves and better understand their care. A health care system can use the CPG to assure that its clinicians and patients have the resources available to compassionately, effectively, and safely evaluate and deliver LOT in a timely, culturally sensitive manner. The guideline can also be used to suggest specific education for identified gaps.

Question: How can it guide a patient encounter?

Answer: provide specific information