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Perrot S, Trouvin AP, Clairaz-Mahiou B, Tempremant G, Martial F, Brément D, Cherkaoui A. A Computerized Pharmacy Decision Support System (PDSS) for Headache Management: Observational Pilot Study. Interact J Med Res 2022; 11:e35880. [PMID: 36427228 PMCID: PMC9736760 DOI: 10.2196/35880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Headaches are common and often lead patients to seek advice from a pharmacist and consequently self-medicate for relief. Computerized pharmacy decision support systems (PDSSs) may be a valuable resource for health care professionals, particularly for community pharmacists when counseling patients with headache, to guide treatment with over-the-counter medications and recognize patients who require urgent or specialist care. OBJECTIVE This observational pilot study aimed to evaluate a newly developed PDSS web app for the management of patients seeking advice from a pharmacy for headache. This study examined the use of the PDSS web app and if it had an impact on patient or pharmacy personnel counseling, pharmacy personnel perception, and patient perception. METHODS The PDSS web app was developed according to Francophone des Sciences Pharmaceutiques Officinales (SFSPO) recommendations for headache management, and was made available to pharmacies in 2 regions of France: Hauts de France and New Aquitaine. Pharmacy personnel received 2 hours of training before using the PDSS web app. All people who visited the pharmacies for headache between June 29, 2020, and December 31, 2020, were offered an interview based on the PDSS web app and given information about the next steps in the management of headaches and advice on the proper use of their medication. Patients and pharmacy personnel reported satisfaction with the PDSS web app following consultations or during a follow-up period (January 18 to 25, 2021). RESULTS Of the 44 pharmacies that received the PDSS web app, 38 pharmacies representing 179 pharmacy personnel used the PDSS web app, and 435 people visited these pharmacies for headache during the study period. Of these, 70.0% (305/435) asked for immediate over-the-counter analgesics for themselves and consulted with pharmacy personnel with the use of the PDSS web app. The majority of these patients were given advice and analgesics for self-medication (346/435, 79.5%); however, 17.0% (74/435) were given analgesics and referred to urgent medical services, and 3.5% (15/435) were given analgesics and referred to their general practitioner. All pharmacy personnel (n=45) were satisfied or very satisfied with the use of the PDSS web app, and a majority thought it improved the quality of their care (41/44, 93.2%). Most pharmacy personnel felt that the PDSS web app modified their approach to management of headache (29/45, 64.4%). Most patients were very satisfied with the PDSS web app during their consultation (96/119, 80.7%), and all felt mostly or completely reassured. CONCLUSIONS Use of the PDSS web app for the management of patients with headache improved the perceived quality of care for pharmacy personnel and patients. The PDSS web app was well accepted and effectively identified patients who required specialist medical management. Further studies should identify additional "red flags" for more effective screening and management of patients via the PDSS web app. Larger studies can measure the impact of the PDSS web app on the lives of patients and how safe or appropriate pharmacy personnel recommendations are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Perrot
- Centre de la douleur, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Grégory Tempremant
- Regional Unions of Health Professionals, Pharmaciens Hauts-de-France, Lille, France
| | - François Martial
- Regional Unions of Health Professionals, Pharmaciens Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Asmaa Cherkaoui
- Public Affairs, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, Gentilly, France
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2
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Tse A, Ward S, McNeil J, Barker A, Cicuttini F, Fitzgibbon B, Hussain SM, Owen A, Wang YY, Wolfe R, Gilmartin-Thomas JFM. Severe low back or lower limb pain is associated with recurrent falls amongst older Australians. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1923-1937. [PMID: 35862463 PMCID: PMC9546413 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Few studies have explored the impact of low back or lower limb pain severity on recurrent (≥2) falls in older adults. Objectives Investigate the association between the severity of low back or lower limb pain, and ≥2 falls or falls‐related injuries. Methods Community‐dwelling Australian males and females in the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP), aged ≥70 years. Self‐reported, cross‐sectional questionnaire data regarding number of falls and falls‐related injuries in the last 12 months; and sites and severity of pain experienced on most days. Adjusted relative risks (RR) were estimated from multivariable Poisson regression models, for males and females separately. Results Of 14,892 ALSOP participants, 13% (n = 1983) reported ≥2 falls (‘recurrent fallers’) in the last 12 months. Males and females who reported severe low back, or severe lower limb pain on most days were more likely to report ≥2 falls in the last 12 months compared to those with mild pain (lower back: males RR = 1.70 and females RR = 1.5, p = 0.001; lower limb: males RR = 2.0, p < 0.001 and females RR = 1.4, p = 0.003). Female recurrent fallers who reported severe low back (RR = 1.3, p = 0.029) or lower limb (RR = 1.2, p = 0.024) pain on most days were more likely to report a falls‐related injury in the last 12 months compared to females with mild pain. Conclusion Severe low back or lower limb pain was associated with an increased likelihood of recurrent falls (males/females) or falls‐related injuries (females only). Assessment of severe low back and lower limb pain should be considered as a priority when undertaking falls‐risk evaluation. Significance Severe low back pain, or severe lower limb pain is associated with an increased likelihood of recurrent falls in older males and females, and an increased likelihood of falls‐related injuries in older female recurrent fallers. Assessment and management of severe low back and lower limb pain should be prioritized when undertaking falls‐risk assessment. Future longitudinal research is required to further interrogate this relationship and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Tse
- Aged Care Department, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Health, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Ward
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia.,Dept of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John McNeil
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Barker
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Silver Chain, Victoria, Australia
| | - Flavia Cicuttini
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bernadette Fitzgibbon
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sultana Monira Hussain
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice Owen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yuan Yuan Wang
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rory Wolfe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Fiona-Maree Gilmartin-Thomas
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Knoebel RW, Starck JV, Miller P. Treatment Disparities Among the Black Population and Their Influence on the Equitable Management of Chronic Pain. Health Equity 2021; 5:596-605. [PMID: 34909526 PMCID: PMC8665804 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2020.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Growing evidence suggests disparities in the prevalence, management, progression, and outcomes of chronic, nonmalignant pain-related conditions, especially for African American patients. Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore studied causative factors that influence the management of chronic pain among African Americans, including factors that result in disparate care that may contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Methods: This narrative review is based on available literature published on this topic published within the last 10 years. Results: Assessment of chronic pain is multifaceted, often complicated by patient medical comorbidities and a complex set of biopsychosocial/spiritual/financial and legal determinants. These complexities are further exacerbated by a patient's race, by provider bias, and by structural barriers-all intersecting and culminating in disparate outcomes. Conclusions: A comprehensive analysis is needed to identify quality improvement interventions and to mitigate major barriers contributing to disparities in the management of chronic pain in the African American population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall W Knoebel
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Janet V Starck
- Department of Palliative Care, University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Gu M, Hua XL, Li SJ, Luo J, Liu JM, Zhang Y, Shi C. Application of Quality Control Circle Activity in Improving Effectiveness of Drug Intervention in Lung Cancer Patients with Moderate to Severe Pain. Curr Med Sci 2021; 41:996-1003. [PMID: 34661813 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality of all malignant tumors in China. Cancer pain dramatically affects patients' comfort level, causing insomnia, anorexia, anxiety, fear, depression, and a decline in the quality of life (QOL). The literature suggests a shortage of adequate cancer pain management for 59.1% of patients in China. The quality control circle (QCC) activity reflects the people-oriented core idea of management. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of QCC in enhancing the effectiveness of drug interventions in lung cancer patients with moderate to severe pain. METHODS From January 2019 to July 2019, lung cancer patients with moderate to severe pain were treated with drugs. The total number of drug interventions was 3072. A QCC activity was performed following the ten steps of the plan-docheck- act (PDCA) model. The reasons for the poor effectiveness of drug intervention in lung cancer patients with moderate to severe pain were analyzed. Countermeasures were designed to improve the effectiveness of drug intervention, including setting up a pain college, writing a medication education manual, and formulating operational rules for the administration of narcotic drugs. The effectiveness of drug intervention in lung cancer patients with moderate to severe pain and activity ability scores of QCC members were analyzed statistically before and after QCC activity. The effectiveness of drug intervention was investigated and compared before and after establishing the QCC. RESULTS After establishing the PDCA model, the effectiveness of drug intervention for moderate to severe pain in lung cancer patients increased from 56.28% to 85.29%. Members had significant improvement in problem-solving ability, responsibility, communication, coordination, self-confidence, team cohesion, enthusiasm, QCC skills, and harmony. CONCLUSION QCC activity can significantly improve the efficiency of drug intervention in lung cancer patients with moderate to severe pain and their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiao-Li Hua
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Hubei Province Clinical Research Centre for Precision Medicine for Critical illness, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shi-Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Juan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jin-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Hubei Province Clinical Research Centre for Precision Medicine for Critical illness, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. .,Hubei Province Clinical Research Centre for Precision Medicine for Critical illness, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Chen Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Gilmartin-Thomas JFM, Forbes A, Liew D, McNeil JJ, Cicuttini FM, Owen AJ, Ernst ME, Nelson MR, Lockery J, Ward SA, Busija L. Evaluation of the Pain Impact Index for Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through the Application of Rasch Modelling. Pain Pract 2021; 21:501-512. [PMID: 33295122 PMCID: PMC8187294 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the Pain Impact Index, a simple, brief, easy-to-use, and novel tool to assess the impact of chronic pain in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS A Rasch modelling analysis was undertaken in Stata using a partial credit model suited to the Likert-type items that comprised the Index. The Index was evaluated for ordering of category thresholds, unidimensionality, overall fit to the Rasch model, measurement bias (Differential Item Functioning, DIF), targeting, and construct validity. RESULTS The four-item Pain Impact Index was self-completed by 6454 community-dwelling Australians who were aged at least 70 years and experienced pain on most days. Two items showed evidence of threshold disordering, and this was resolved by collapsing response categories (from 5 to 3) for all items. The rescored Index conformed to the unidimensionality assumption and had satisfactory fit with the Rasch model (analyses conducted on a reduced sample size to mitigate the potential for overpowering: n = 377, P > 0.0125, power > 77%). When considering uniform DIF, the most frequent sources of measurement bias were age, knee pain, and upper back pain. When considering nonuniform DIF, the most frequent source of measurement bias was knee pain. The Index had good ability to differentiate between respondents with different levels of pain impact and had highest measurement precision for respondents located around the average level of pain impact in the study sample. Both convergent and discriminant validity of the Index were supported. CONCLUSION The Pain Impact Index showed evidence of unidimensionality, was able to successfully differentiate between levels of pain impact, and had good evidence of construct validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F-M Gilmartin-Thomas
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Forbes
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danny Liew
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John J McNeil
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Flavia M Cicuttini
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice J Owen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael E Ernst
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A
- Department of Family Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A
| | - Mark R Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jessica Lockery
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Ward
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ljoudmila Busija
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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6
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O'Brien MDC, Wand APF. A systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in community-dwelling older adults. Age Ageing 2020; 49:175-183. [PMID: 31971548 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afz175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION the ageing global population and concomitant increase in the use of opioid analgesia have highlighted the need to evaluate the effectiveness of opioids for chronic pain in older people. METHODS a systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in community-dwelling people aged 65 years or more was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed and PsychINFO were searched. The quality of studies was assessed. Secondary aims were to assess correlates of opioid use and the decision-making processes of prescribers. RESULTS seven studies were identified of low to high quality. The majority of older people experienced ongoing pain despite continuing opioid therapy. There were mixed results regarding benefits of opioids in terms of activities of daily living and social engagement. In nursing home residents, opioid use at baseline was associated with severe pain, severe impairment in activities of daily living and a diagnosis of depression. Fear of causing harm to older people was common amongst opioid prescribers, limiting prescription. Facilitators of opioid prescription included educational interventions and access to an evidence base for opioid use. CONCLUSION there is limited evidence supporting the use of long-term opioid use in older people for chronic non-cancer pain and a lack of trials in this age group. Age-specific guidelines are required addressing initial assessment, indications, monitoring and de-prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael David Cory O'Brien
- Geriatric and Rehabilitation Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anne Pamela Frances Wand
- Older Persons' Mental Health Service, Euroa Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Opioids and Cannabinoids for Osteoarthritis: Either, Both, or Neither. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40674-020-00140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hoppe D, Ristevski E, Khalil H. The attitudes and practice strategies of community pharmacists towards drug misuse management: A scoping review. J Clin Pharm Ther 2019; 45:430-452. [PMID: 31873962 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Community pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. The objective of this research was to systematically review the current evidence and investigate the attitudes and practice strategies of community pharmacists towards drug misuse management. METHODS Data were extracted from 19 studies retrieved via a three-step search strategy using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The attitudes and practice strategies of pharmacists towards drug misuse management and relevance to years of practice experience were discussed in seven of the 19 studies. Pharmacists reported gaps in knowledge and insufficient education and training on drug misuse-related topics. Barriers to the effective management of drug misuse included lack of time and staff training. The most commonly reported strategy to address drug misuse was referral back to the doctor. Eight of the studies identified the benefits of real-time prescription monitoring systems. Pharmacists have a key role to play in addressing drug misuse. Opportunities exist in the development of new and innovative approaches for harm minimization led by pharmacists, and in the examination and evaluation of the pharmacists' role in referral services, interventions and screening. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION It is important to consider the role and contribution of early career pharmacists in the delivery of primary health care. They are the future of the pharmacy profession; therefore, it is critical that they are sufficiently trained and provided with the necessary resources to ensure high quality care in the management of drug misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Hoppe
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Vic., Australia
| | - Eli Ristevski
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Vic., Australia
| | - Hanan Khalil
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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O'Brien MDC, Wand APF, Draper B. The use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in older Australians. Australas J Ageing 2019; 38:224-227. [PMID: 30843317 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Pamela Frances Wand
- Older Persons' Mental Health Service, Euroa Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Older Persons' Mental Health, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Older Persons' Mental Health Service, Euroa Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Roa JA, Guevara A, Guevara C, Guevara-Aguirre J. Physician's role in prescribing opioids in developing countries. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/6/e227072. [PMID: 31160299 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In developed countries, addressing the growing opioid addiction epidemic is focused on preventive measures, developing better overdose-reversal medications and designing newer strategies to treat addiction. Primary prescribers of the therapeutic use of opioids might play a definite role in the aetiology of the epidemics. Developing countries could be affected by similar issues; however, given that no updated statistics are available, it is possible that their populations undergo problems similar to those for which current data is available. Concerns have arisen regarding synthetic opioid tramadol which, given its fast and potent analgesic effects, low cost and easy availability is widely prescribed. A debate remains as to whether tramadol induces addictive effects like those of stronger analogues such as oxycodone or fentanyl. Here we present a case of tramadol dependence in an Ecuadorian patient and find that substance abuse can occur in normal individuals affected by chronic pain, otherwise treatable with standard methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Roa
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Alexandra Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Guevara
- Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Jaime Guevara-Aguirre
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Instituto de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, IEMYR, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador.,Maastricht University Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
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