Ethical Challenges in Pain Management: Balancing Opioid Prescribing Practices and Patient Well-Being in Family Medicine

This research explores the intricate ethical landscape of pain management in Maltese family medicine, emphasizing the delicate balance between opioid prescribing practices and patient well-being, and aiming to balance effective patient care while minimizing the risk of addiction. Rooted in Beauchamp and Childress’ ethical principles, the study aims to provide nuanced insights into local and global considerations, including deontological theories, rights-based ethics, communitarianism, and ethics of care. By employing a mixedmethods approach, the research seeks to inform evidence-based guidelines, enhance practitioner training, and foster community dialogue. Through a comprehensive exploration, the findings aspire to contribute not only to the refinement of local practices but also to the broader international discourse on responsible and patient-centred pain management