AHCPR GUIDELINE ON MANAGEMENT OF CANCER-RELATED PAIN

AHCPR GUIDELINE ON MANAGEMENT OF CANCER-RELATED PAIN in clinical practice is currently targeted for release this autumn, HHS' Agency for Health Care Policy and Research said. The agency currently has 15 clinical practice guidelines on its schedule for dissemination in 1993 and 1994. Guidelines on the initial evaluation and early treatment of HIV-positive individuals and on the treatment and diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia are anticipated out this summer. Furthest along is a guide on sickle cell disease in newborns and infants, which is scheduled for release April 27. Among the documents to be unveiled in 1993 is a guideline on quality determinants of mammography. Other guides targeted for release some time this year cover the care and evaluation of heart failure; lower back problems (anticipated ready in the late summer/early fall); post-stroke rehabilitation; screening for Alzheimer's and related dementias; and treatment of pressure ulcers in adults. Next year, the HHS agency hopes to have ready clinical practice guidelines on chest pain due to unstable angina; cardiac rehabilitation services; anxiety and panic disorders in primary care; and smoking prevention and cessation. The agency recently released its fifth guideline, which covers depression in the primary care setting.