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de Kleijn L, Jansen-Groot Koerkamp EAW, van der Kooij I, Veen M, Rijkels-Otters HJBM, Koes BW, Chiarotto A. Exploring the facilitators and barriers in opioid deprescribing for non-cancer pain treatment experienced by general practitioners: A qualitative study. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:1101-1115. [PMID: 38287911 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend opioid deprescribing in patients on long-term opioid treatment for chronic non-cancer pain. This study aims to explore facilitators and barriers in opioid deprescribing among general practitioners in the Netherlands. In addition, this study aims to identify possibilities for improvement regarding opioid deprescribing in primary care. METHODS Focus group discussions with Dutch General practitioners were held by two skilled moderators. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using MAXQDA software. Three independent reviewers searched for overarching themes using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Discussions were organized until data saturation was reached. RESULTS Twenty-two general practitioners participated in four focus group discussions. Five main themes emerged from the data: (1) patient-centred care; (2) ensuring proper pain management (3) dilemmas and hardships in dealing with opioid use disorder; (4) the competency gap; (5) needs and possibilities to improve opioid deprescribing in primary care. The first theme addresses the main facilitators in opioid tapering. The following three themes emerged as main barriers in opioid deprescribing. The fifth theme identified possibilities for change. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates the importance of intrinsic motivation and a tailored approach to deprescribe opioids in patients with chronic pain on long-term opioid treatment. Identified barriers include struggles in pain management, challenges caused by opioid use disorder, insufficient capacities such as time constraints and lack of skills. Recommendations for improvement involve enhanced collaboration with healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care, provision of practical tools and assurance of sufficient time. SIGNIFICANCE This focus group study among 22 Dutch general practitioners elucidates the complexities of opioid deprescribing and reveals pivotal themes such as patient-centred care, pain management challenges, and competency gaps. The findings underscore the crucial role of intrinsic motivation and that of a tailored approach in opioid deprescribing, while demonstrating how a lack in effective pain treatments, practical capacities and challenges caused by opioid dependence, impede opioid deprescribing. By uncovering these complexities, this study aims to inform future deprescribing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loes de Kleijn
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elsemiek A W Jansen-Groot Koerkamp
- SIR Institute for Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Iris van der Kooij
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Veen
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Bart W Koes
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Muscle and Joint Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Chiarotto
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Kelsh S, de Voest M, Stout M. Influence of Implementing an Opioid Stewardship Team in the Primary Care Setting. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:485-488. [PMID: 38919753 PMCID: PMC11195837 DOI: 10.1177/00185787241234241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background: The Updated 2022 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain highlights the importance of shared decision making and provider-patient relationships. Interprofessional teams may be helpful in supporting providers and patients. A large, multi-site primary care department created an interprofessional primary care opioid stewardship team to target high-risk opioid prescribing and improve practice alignment with CDC recommendations through dashboard reporting and education. Objective: The primary objective was to assess reduction in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) from baseline to 6 months in patients on opioid doses ≥90 MME daily. The secondary objective assessed change in number of naloxone prescriptions from baseline to 6 months after education. Methods: The study was conducted across 30 primary care sites of one health system within Michigan from 2021 to 2022. The opioid stewardship team included 2 physicians, 3 pharmacists, a project operations manager, and IT support. Interventions included creation of a dashboard, provider education, dissemination of policy, and chart audits. Using the electronic health record (EHR) dashboard, patients on chronic opioid doses ≥90 MME daily or missing an active naloxone prescription were identified. Primary care providers (PCP) were provided with an individual list of patients for whom to consider intervention. Support was provided for prescribers, but the team did not interact with patients directly. Results: Baseline analysis identified 290 patients on doses ≥ 90 MME daily. There was reduction in median daily MME from baseline to 6 months in the overall study population (140 [105 240] vs 120 [90 240], P < .001). At 6 months 181 (62.4%) of patients had been given a prescription for naloxone versus 108 (37.2%) who had one at baseline, P < .001. Conclusion: The initiatives implemented by the opioid stewardship team resulted in statistically significant reductions in MME and an increase in naloxone prescribing from baseline to 6 months post-education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Stout
- Corewell Health/Michigan State University Internal Medicine Residency, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Cid A, Patten A, Beazely MA, Grindrod K. Adapting the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers to Measure Opioid-Related Stigma. PHARMACY 2024; 12:105. [PMID: 39051389 PMCID: PMC11270195 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The opioid crisis in Canada continues to cause a devastating number of deaths. Community-based naloxone programs have been identified as one of the solutions for combatting this crisis; however, there are disparities in which pharmacies stock and offer naloxone. Opioid-related stigma is a major barrier for limited naloxone distribution through pharmacies. Therefore, the development of anti-stigma interventions is crucial to improve naloxone distribution in Canada. However, there is no validated tool to specifically measure opioid-related stigma. The Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers (OMS-HC) is a validated scale used to measure mental illness-related stigma. This study will adapt the OMS-HC by using four different opioid-related terminologies to determine which is the most stigmatizing to use in an opioid-related anti-stigma intervention. Pharmacy students completed four versions of the adapted OMS-HC. The average OMS-HC scores and Cronbach's α co-efficient were calculated for each version. The term "opioid addiction" was found to be the most stigmatizing term among participants and will be used in the adapted version of the OMS-HC in a future anti-stigma interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Cid
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St. S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada; (A.P.); (K.G.)
| | | | - Michael A. Beazely
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St. S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada; (A.P.); (K.G.)
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Goetschi AN, Meyer-Massetti C. Characterising pharmacists' interventions in chronic non-cancer pain care: a scoping review. Int J Clin Pharm 2024:10.1007/s11096-024-01741-x. [PMID: 38861043 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic non-cancer pain may affect up to 51% of the general population. Pharmacist interventions have shown promise in enhancing patient safety and outcomes. However, our understanding of the scope of pharmacists' interventions remains incomplete. AIM Our goal was to characterise pharmacists' interventions for the management of chronic non-cancer pain. METHOD Medline, Embase, PsycINFO via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO databases and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Abstracts and full texts were independently screened by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer, and validated by the second. Outcomes of studies were charted using the dimensions of the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT). RESULTS Forty-eight reports were included. Interventions ensuring appropriate drug prescription occurred in 37 (79%) studies. Patient education and healthcare professional education were reported in 28 (60%) and 5 (11%) studies, respectively. Therapy monitoring occurred in 17 (36%) studies. Interventions regularly involved interprofessional collaboration. A median of 75% of reported outcome domains improved due to pharmacist interventions, especially patient disposition (adherence), medication safety and satisfaction with therapy. CONCLUSION Pharmacists' interventions enhanced the management of chronic non-cancer pain. Underreported outcome domains and interventions, such as medication management, merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljoscha Noël Goetschi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal-Weg 7, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Carla Meyer-Massetti
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal-Weg 7, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Jadhari R, Pathak N, Shrestha R, Shrestha S, KC B, Gan SH, Paudyal V. Advancing opioid stewardship in low-middle-income countries: challenges and opportunities. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2345219. [PMID: 38845626 PMCID: PMC11155429 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2345219] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The increased utilization of opioids in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) presents a growing threat of opioid-related abuse, misuse and diversion. Pharmacists, as integral members of healthcare teams, are responsible for dispensing and monitoring opioid use and hold a pivotal role in opioid stewardship within LMICs. This commentary describes the potential and multifaceted roles of pharmacists in opioid stewardship in resource-constrained settings and highlights appropriate strategies for promoting responsible opioid utilization. Opioid stewardship involves prioritising evidence-based prescribing, management and practices for pain management. It includes measures such as incorporating prescription drug monitoring programmes for appropriate opioid prescription, implementing safe disposal through drug take-back programmes, promoting non-opioid pain management, addressing the opioid addiction stigma, tapering opioid dose, educating patients and caregivers, establishing drug information centers, providing rehabilitative services and integrating collaboration with communities and experts. The combined difficulties of restricted access to healthcare resources and services coupled with low levels of literacy worsen the susceptibility to opioid abuse, misuse, and diversion in LMICs. Early detection, assessment and implementation of interventions to optimise opioid use are imperative for ensuring safe and effective opioid utilization, thereby mitigating the risks of overdose and addiction. The involvement of pharmacists in promoting safe and effective opioid utilization through education, monitoring, collaboration, and policy advocacy serves as a critical component in bridging existing gaps in opioid stewardship within LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojita Jadhari
- Drug Discovery and Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nabin Pathak
- Drug Information Unit and Pharmacovigilance Cell, Department of Pharmacy, Hetauda Hospital, Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences, Bagmati Province, Makwanpur, Hetauda, Nepal
- Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences, Bagmati Province, Makwanpur, Hetauda, Nepal
| | - Rajeev Shrestha
- Palliative Care and Chronic Disease, INF Nepal Green Pastures Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Bhuvan KC
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Siew Hua Gan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Suri A, Quinn J, Balise RR, Feaster DJ, El-Bassel N, Rundle AG. Disadvantaged groups have greater spatial access to pharmacies in New York state. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:471. [PMID: 38622604 PMCID: PMC11017547 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10901-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accessibility of pharmacies has been associated with overall health and wellbeing. Past studies have suggested that low income and racial minority communities are underserved by pharmacies. However, the literature is inconsistent in finding links between area-level income or racial and ethnic composition and access to pharmacies. Here we aim to assess area-level spatial access to pharmacies across New York State (NYS), hypothesizing that Census Tracts with higher poverty rates and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents would have lower spatial access. METHODS The population weighted mean shortest road network distance (PWMSD) to a pharmacy in 2018 was calculated for each Census Tract in NYS. This statistic was calculated from the shortest road network distance to a pharmacy from the centroid of each Census block within a tract, with the mean across census blocks weighted by the population of the census block. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted to assess links between Tract-level socio demographic characteristics and Tract-level PWMSD to a pharmacy. RESULTS Overall the mean PWMSD to a pharmacy across Census tracts in NYS was 2.07 Km (SD = 3.35, median 0.85 Km). Shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy were associated with higher Tract-level % poverty, % Black/African American (AA) residents, and % Hispanic/Latino residents and with lower Tract-level % of residents with a college degree. Compared to tracts in the lowest quartile of % Black/AA residents, tracts in the highest quartile had a 70.7% (95% CI 68.3-72.9%) shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy. Similarly, tracts in the highest quartile of % poverty had a 61.3% (95% CI 58.0-64.4%) shorter PWMSD to a pharmacy than tracts in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSION The analyses show that tracts in NYS with higher racial and ethnic minority populations and higher poverty rates have higher spatial access to pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Suri
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America.
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
| | - James Quinn
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Raymond R Balise
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University School for Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew G Rundle
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
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Hernández-García V, Rubio-Armendáriz C, Alberto-Armas D, Hardisson-de la Torre A. Impact of a Community Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Follow-up (PTF) service in patients using opioid analgesic. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 13:100414. [PMID: 38352888 PMCID: PMC10863313 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of prescribed major opioid analgesics (fentanyl, tapentadol, morphine and oxycodone and combinations) for non-cancer chronic pain is fraught with risks that may generate Negative Medicine Outcomes (NMO). Among the factors associated with these risks, those related to the patient's characteristics and aberrant behavior, the treatment conditions, and the prescription health settings should be evaluated with the aim of minimizing unsafety during the health care process. The present study addresses, from a community pharmacy, the analysis of Drug Related Problems (DRP) and Negative Medicine Outcomes (NMO) in patients using these major opioid analgesics while it aims to demonstrate the role of pharmaceutical care interventions in promoting safety during the use of these molecules. A three step Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up (PFT) protocol was designed to prevent, detect, and solve DRP and NMO associated with the use of opioid analgesics. 74.6% of the patients used opioid analgesics to treat musculoskeletal pain. Polypharmacy with benzodiazepines (61.9%); antidepressants (57.1%) and antiepileptics (30.2%) was detected in patients using these opioids. The Morisky-Green Adherence test revealed that 30.2% were nonadherent. It was observed, with statistical significance, that in all patients (63), the impact of the 14-week PFT supervised by the community pharmacist achieved an overall reduction in the prevalence of DRP and NMO. While the reduction in the number of DRPs reached 66.7%. Community pharmacies are a strategic point to promote and implement effective opioid stewardship due to both their central role in healthcare services and frequent interaction with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Hernández-García
- Interuniversity Group os Environmental Toxicology and Food and Drug Safety, La Laguna University, Spain
- Community Pharmacy, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - C. Rubio-Armendáriz
- Interuniversity Group os Environmental Toxicology and Food and Drug Safety, La Laguna University, Spain
| | - D. Alberto-Armas
- Interuniversity Group os Environmental Toxicology and Food and Drug Safety, La Laguna University, Spain
- Community Pharmacy, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - A. Hardisson-de la Torre
- Interuniversity Group os Environmental Toxicology and Food and Drug Safety, La Laguna University, Spain
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Tafere C, Tefera BB, Yehualaw A, Demsie DG, Kefale B, Feyisa K, Yismaw MB, Aschale E, Debasu Z, Yilma Z, Agmassie Z, Siraj IA, Yayehrad AT, Mulatu S, Endeshaw D. Community Pharmacists' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Opioid Pain Medication Use in Bahir Dar City, North-West Ethiopia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:833-841. [PMID: 38434484 PMCID: PMC10908331 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s452350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use is a major global public health problem, affecting 16 million individuals worldwide. According to a 2023 WHO report, out of the 600,000 substance-related deaths worldwide, 80% were attributed to opioid use. Pharmacists play a vital role in reducing unnecessary opioid exposure while facilitating access to non-opioid alternatives. To do so, pharmacists should have sufficient knowledge regarding opioid-containing medications and a positive attitude about opioid use problems. Objective This study aimed to evaluate community pharmacists' knowledge of opioid-containing medications and their attitude toward opioid use problems. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, structured questionnaire distributed to 105 community pharmacists from July 1-30, 2023 in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. The tool included demographic information and questions designed to assess participants' knowledge and attitudes. Results Out of the 105 pharmacists included in this study, majority were males (54.3%), nearly half held a bachelor's degree (49.5%), and slightly above one-third had over a decade experience (39%). Regarding knowledge and attitude towards opioids, 62 individuals (59%) exhibited good knowledge, and 64 (61%) demonstrated less stigma toward opioid usage. Factors affecting knowledge include: education level (AOR (95% CI): 8.43 (1.76-40.35) and 9.93 (1.04-85.33) for bachelors and postgraduates respectively and age 1.45 (1.20-1.77)]. Meanwhile, experience [AOR (95% CI): 4.64(1.20-17.90) and 4.29 (1.23-15.05)] for 5-9 years and ≥10 years respectively and education level [AOR (95% CI): 4.08 (1.40-11.93) for bachelors and 6.40 (1.42-28.96)] for postgraduates were linked to attitude. Conclusion A gap in knowledge and more stigmatizing behavior was observed among community pharmacists. These findings imply the importance of tailored educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and promote positive attitudes toward opioid usage among community pharmacists. Therefore, it is imperative to deliver up-to-date information on opioids, emphasizing their high addiction potential, to ensure pharmacists are well-equipped with the latest information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chernet Tafere
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Bereket Bahiru Tefera
- Department of Social Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Yehualaw
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Getnet Demsie
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Belayneh Kefale
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Feyisa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Malede Berihun Yismaw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Aschale
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Zenaw Debasu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdu Yilma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Zegaye Agmassie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Ibrahim Abdela Siraj
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Ashagrachew Tewabe Yayehrad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Sileshi Mulatu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Destaw Endeshaw
- Department of Adult health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia
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Meghani SH, Quinn R, Robinson A, Chittams J, Vapiwala N, Naylor M, Cheatle M, Knafl GJ. Trajectories and predictors of high-occurrence pain flares in ambulatory cancer patients on opioids. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae003. [PMID: 38268502 PMCID: PMC10880071 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain flares have a substantive impact on the quality of life and well-being of patients with cancer. We identified longitudinal trajectories (clusters) of cancer pain flares in ambulatory patients and sociodemographic and clinical predictors of these trajectories. METHODS In a prospective cohort study using ecological momentary assessment (mEMA), we collected patient-reported daily pain flare ratings data over 5 months and identified predictors and correlates using validated measures. RESULTS The mean age of the sample (N = 270) was 60.9 years (SD = 11.2), 64.8% were female, and 32.6% self-identified as African American. Four pain flare clusters were identified. The "high-occurrence" cluster (23% of patients) experienced 5.5 (SD = 5.47) daily flares, whereas low-moderate clusters (77%) reported 2.4 (SD = 2.74) daily flares (P < .000). Those in the high-occurrence cluster reported higher pain scores (P = .000), increased pain-related interference (P = .000), depressive symptoms (P = .023), lower quality of life (P = .001), and reduced pain self-efficacy (P = .006). Notably, 67.2% of those prescribed opioids as needed (PRN only) were in the high-occurrence pain flare cluster, compared with 27.9% with PRN and around-the-clock opioid prescriptions (P = .024). Individual predictors of high-occurrence pain flares were income below $30 000, unemployment, being African American, lower education level, Medicaid insurance, current opioid misuse (COMM), baseline inpatient hospital stay duration, and PRN-only opioid regimen. In the multiple predictor model, lower education level, unemployment, COMM score, extended inpatient duration, and PRN-only opioid regimen remained significant. CONCLUSION In ambulatory patients with cancer, high occurrence of pain flares may be mitigated by attention to opioid prescription factors and addressing social determinants of health needs of underserved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salimah H Meghani
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Quinn
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse Chittams
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neha Vapiwala
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary Naylor
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martin Cheatle
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George J Knafl
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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10
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Brady BR, SantaMaria B, Ortiz Y Pino KT, Murphy BS. Opioid stewardship program implementation in rural and critical access hospitals in Arizona. J Opioid Manag 2024; 20:21-30. [PMID: 38533713 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to examine rural hospitals' status in implementing opioid stewardship program (OSP) elements and assess differences in implementation in emergency department (ED) and acute inpatient departments. DESIGN Health administrator survey to identify the number and type of OSP elements that each hospital has implemented. SETTING Arizona critical access hospitals (CAHs). PARTICIPANTS ED and acute inpatient department heads at 17 Arizona CAHs (total of 34 assessments). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Implementation of 11 OSP elements, by department (ED vs inpatient) and prevention orientation (primary vs tertiary). RESULTS The percentage of implemented elements ranged from 35 to 94 percent in EDs and 24 to 88 percent in acute care departments. Reviewing the prescription drug monitoring program database and offering alternatives to opioids were the most frequently implemented. Assessing opioid use disorder (OUD) and prescribing naloxone were among the least. The number of implemented elements tended to be uniform across departments. We found that CAHs implemented, on average, 67 percent of elements that prevent unnecessary opioid use and 54 percent of elements that treat OUD. CONCLUSIONS Some OSP elements were in place in nearly every Arizona CAH, while others were present in only a quarter or a third of hospitals. To improve, more attention is needed to define and standardize OSPs. Equal priority should be given to preventing unnecessary opioid initiation and treating opioid misuse or OUD, as well as quality control strategies that provide an opportunity for continuous improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Brady
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Western Michigan University, Kala-mazoo, Michigan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3534-1027
| | - Bianca SantaMaria
- Health Education and Promotion Professional II, Arizona Center for Rural Health, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kathryn Tucker Ortiz Y Pino
- Arizona Prevention Research Center, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bridget S Murphy
- Arizona Center for Rural Health, Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, on the lands of the O'odham and Yaqui peoples in Tucson, Arizona
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11
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Simpson A, Levy N, Mariano E. Opioid stewardship. BJA Educ 2023; 23:389-397. [PMID: 37720559 PMCID: PMC10501885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjae.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A.K. Simpson
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bristol, UK
| | - N. Levy
- West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds, UK
| | - E.R. Mariano
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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12
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Heung Y, Clark M, Tschanz J, Bruera E. Opioid Prescription Denials by Community Pharmacies for Cancer-Related Pain: A Case Series. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e431-e435. [PMID: 37356595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients living with cancer. Guidelines recommend opioids as the mainstay in the management of cancer-related pain. However, the opioid epidemic has resulted in policymakers recommending limitations on opioid prescribing which led to community pharmacies implementing various parameters. These restrictions have created barriers for patients with cancer-related pain attempting to fill opioid prescriptions from their community pharmacies. Additionally, in the setting of the opioid epidemic, there have been reports of systemic bias within community pharmacies, leading to experiences with embarrassment and shame for patients with cancer-related pain. This case series presents specific examples of community pharmacies declining to fill opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer-related pain and associated patient suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Heung
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine (Y.H., J.T., E.B.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Matthew Clark
- Pharmacy Clinical Programs (M.C.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacqueline Tschanz
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine (Y.H., J.T., E.B.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine (Y.H., J.T., E.B.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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Cid A, Ng A, Ip V. Addressing the Opioid Crisis—The Need for a Pain Management Intervention in Community Pharmacies in Canada: A Narrative Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020071. [PMID: 37104077 PMCID: PMC10144945 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The opioid crisis is a public health concern in Canada with a continued rise in deaths and presents a significant economic impact on the healthcare system. There is a need to develop and implement strategies for decreasing the risk of opioid overdoses and other opioid-related harms resulting from the use of prescription opioids. Pharmacists, as medication experts and educators, and as one of the most accessible frontline healthcare providers, are well positioned to provide effective opioid stewardship through a pain management program focused on improving pain management for patients, supporting appropriate prescribing and dispensing of opioids, and supporting safe and appropriate use of opioids to minimize potential opioid misuse, abuse, and harm. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and grey literature to determine the characteristics of an effective community pharmacy-based pain management program, including the facilitators and barriers to be considered. Discussion: An effective pain management program should be multicomponent, address other co-morbid conditions in addition to pain, and contain a continuing education component for pharmacists. Solutions to implementation barriers, including pharmacy workflow; addressing attitudes beliefs, and stigma; and pharmacy remuneration, as well as leveraging the expansion of scope from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption to facilitate implementation, should be considered. Conclusions: Future work should include the development, implementation, and evaluation of a multicomponent, evidence-based intervention strategy in Canadian community pharmacies to demonstrate the impact pharmacists can have on the management of chronic pain and as one potential solution to helping curb the opioid crisis. Future studies should measure associated costs for such a program and any resulting cost-savings to the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Cid
- Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Angeline Ng
- Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7, Canada
| | - Victoria Ip
- Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7, Canada
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14
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Sajogo M, Teoh SWK, Lebedevs T. Pharmacist clinical interventions: Five years' experience of an efficient, low-cost, and future-proofed tool. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:541-546. [PMID: 36577571 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the development of an efficient and future-proofed tool for the documentation and analysis of clinical interventions (CIs). A secondary objective was to describe CIs recorded over a 5-year period and describe implications of the tool. METHOD In 2016, a matrix guide and an advanced spreadsheet were implemented in the study hospital to document all CIs made by pharmacists. The data entry tabs are arranged by month. The summary report dashboard tab provides an automatically generated analysis of the real-time data following pharmacists entering the CI details. RESULTS A total of 10,855 CIs were documented over the 5 years period starting from March 2016 to February 2021. The real-time data were utilised for multiple quality improvement initiatives including medical and nursing education, development of business cases and progress monitoring of newly established services. The tool was able to adapt with changes in devices, business intelligence software and migration to cloud storage. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a low-cost and low-resource CI documentation tool. This tool provides data with the capability to inform site-specific education strategies, monitor quality improvement services and inform management in business case preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sajogo
- Pharmacy Department, Perth, Western Australia, 6008, Australia.
| | | | - Tamara Lebedevs
- Pharmacy Department, Perth, Western Australia, 6008, Australia.
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15
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Murphy AL, Suh S, Gillis L, Morrison J, Gardner DM. Pharmacist Administration of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics to Community-Dwelling Patients: A Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:pharmacy11020045. [PMID: 36961024 PMCID: PMC10037648 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) have demonstrated positive outcomes for people with serious mental illnesses. They are underused, and access to LAIAs can be challenging. Pharmacies could serve as suitable environments for LAIA injection by pharmacists. To map and characterize the literature regarding the administration of LAIAs by pharmacists, a scoping review was conducted. Electronic-database searches (e.g., PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Embase) and others including ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and Google, were conducted. Citation lists and cited-reference searches were completed. Zotero was used as the reference-management database. Covidence was used for overall review management. Two authors independently screened articles and performed full-text abstractions. From all sources, 292 studies were imported, and 124 duplicates were removed. After screening, 13 studies were included for abstraction. Most articles were published in the US since 2010. Seven studies used database and survey methods, with adherence and patient satisfaction as the main patient-outcomes assessed. Reporting of pharmacists' and patients' perspectives surrounding LAIA administration was minimal and largely anecdotal. Financial analyses for services were also limited. The published literature surrounding pharmacist administration of LAIAs is limited, providing little-to-no guidance for the development and implementation of this service by others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Murphy
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - Sowon Suh
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Louise Gillis
- W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jason Morrison
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - David M Gardner
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
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16
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Helms J, Frankart L, Bradner M, Ebersole J, Regan B, Crouch T. Interprofessional Active Learning for Chronic Pain: Transforming Student Learning From Recall to Application. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2023; 10:23821205231221950. [PMID: 38152832 PMCID: PMC10752086 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231221950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) affects over 50 million Americans daily and represents a unique challenge for healthcare professionals due to its complexity. Across all health professions, only a small percentage of the curriculum is devoted to treating patients with CP. Unfortunately, much of the content is delivered passively via lecture without giving students an opportunity to practice the communication skills to effectively treat patients in the clinic. An interprofessional team of health educators identified 5 essential messages that students frequently struggle to convey to patients with CP. Those messages were based on interprofessional and profession-specific competencies to treat patients with CP from the International Association for the Study of Pain. The 5 messages highlighted the importance of (1) therapeutic alliance, (2) consistent interdisciplinary language, (3) patient prognosis, (4) evidence for pain medicine, surgery, and imaging, and (5) early referral to the interprofessional team. For each message, the team summarized relevant research supporting the importance of each individual message that could serve as a foundation for didactic content. The team then developed active learning educational activities that educators could use to have students practice the skills tied to each message. Each learning activity was designed to be delivered in an interprofessional manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeb Helms
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, USA
| | - Laura Frankart
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Melissa Bradner
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | - Beck Regan
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Taylor Crouch
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, USA
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