Implementing Ketamine in PA-LTC for a Patient with Chronic Pain

A rapidly expanding array of available therapies are available for complex chronic pain. This in turn necessitates that clinicians develop proficiency in using these treatments safely. Additionally, facilities such as PA-LTC settings need to have protocols in place for proper procurement and oversight of drugs that are at risk for diversion. Ketamine, a potent NMDA receptor antagonist and schedule III substance, is one such medication rapidly gaining traction for severe, chronic pain. The following case explores the process of an interprofessional (IP) PA-LTC team developing workflows and relationships necessary to safely accept a patient using oral ketamine for chronic pain.