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Flores MW, Sharp A, Lu F, Cook BL. Examining Racial/Ethnic Differences in Patterns of Opioid Prescribing: Results from an Urban Safety-Net Healthcare System. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:719-729. [PMID: 36892815 PMCID: PMC9997438 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01555-z] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Prescription opioids still account for a large proportion of overdose deaths and contribute to opioid use dependence (OUD). Studies earlier in the epidemic suggest clinicians were less likely to prescribe opioids to racial/ethnic minorities. As OUD-related deaths have increased disproportionately amongst minority populations, it is essential to understand racial/ethnic differences in opioid prescribing patterns to inform culturally sensitive mitigation efforts. The purpose of this study is to estimate racial/ethnic differences in opioid medication use among patients prescribed opioids. Using electronic health records and a retrospective cohort study design, we estimated multivariable hazard models and generalized linear models, assessing racial/ethnic differences in OUD diagnosis, number of opioid prescriptions, receiving only one opioid prescription, and receiving ≥18 opioid prescriptions. Study population (N=22,201) consisted of adult patients (≥18years), with ≥3 primary care visits (ensuring healthcare system linkage), ≥1 opioid prescription, who did not have an OUD diagnoses prior to the first opioid prescription during the 32-month study period. Relative to racial/ethnic minority patients, White patients, in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, had a greater number of opioid prescriptions filled, a higher proportion received ≥18 opioid prescriptions, and a greater hazard of having an OUD diagnosis subsequent to receiving an opioid prescription (all groups p<0.001). Although opioid prescribing rates have declined nationally, our findings suggest White patients still experience a high volume of opioid prescriptions and greater risk of OUD diagnosis. Racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive follow-up pain medications, which may signal low care quality. Identifying provider bias in pain management of racial/ethnic minorities could inform interventions seeking balance between adequate pain treatment and risk of opioid misuse/abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael William Flores
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1035 Cambridge Street, Suite 26, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Amanda Sharp
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1035 Cambridge Street, Suite 26, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
- Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Frederick Lu
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Lê Cook
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, 1035 Cambridge Street, Suite 26, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Hoppe D, Karimi L, Khalil H. Mapping the research addressing prescription drug monitoring programs: A scoping review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:803-817. [PMID: 35106867 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ISSUES Prescription drug monitoring programs are a harm minimisation intervention and clinical decision support tool that address the public health concern surrounding prescription drug misuse. Given the large number of studies published to date and the ongoing implementation of these programs, it is important to map the literature and identify areas for further research to improve practice. APPROACH A scoping review was undertaken to identify the research on prescription drug monitoring programs published between January 2015 and April 2021. KEY FINDINGS A total of 153 citations were included in this scoping review. The majority of the studies originated from the USA and were quantitative. Results on program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. Unintended consequences are revealed in the literature and this review also highlights barriers to program use. IMPLICATIONS Overall, findings are mixed despite the large number of studies published to date. Mapping the literature identifies priority areas for further research that can advise policymakers and clinicians on practice improvement. CONCLUSION Results on prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. This review highlights barriers to prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness related to program use and system integration. Further research is needed in these areas to improve prescription drug monitoring program use and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimi Hoppe
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leila Karimi
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hanan Khalil
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Dasgupta N, Brown JR, Nocera M, Lazard A, Slavova S, Freeman PR. Abuse-Deterrent Opioids: A Survey of Physician Beliefs, Behaviors, and Psychology. Pain Ther 2021; 11:133-151. [PMID: 34870790 PMCID: PMC8861217 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Evaluate beliefs and behaviors pertaining to abuse-deterrent opioids (ADFs). Design Survey in 2019 by invitation to all licensed physicians. Setting Commonwealth of Kentucky. Participants 374 physicians. Methods Descriptive statistics, and hypothesis test that early adopter prescribers would have greater endorsement of opioid risk management. Results Of all prescribers, 55% believed all opioid analgesics should have ADF requirements (15% were unsure); 74% supported mandating insurance coverage. Only one-third considered whether an opioid was ADF when prescribing, motivated by patient family diversion (94%) and societal supply reduction (88%). About half believed ADFs were equally effective in preventing abuse by intact swallowing, injection, chewing, snorting, smoking routes. Only 4% of OxyContin prescribers chose it primarily because of ADF properties. Instead, the most common reason (33%) was being started by another prescriber. A quarter of physicians chose not to prescribe ADFs because of heroin switching potential. Early adopters strongly believed ADFs were effective in reducing abuse (PR 3.2; 95% CI 1.5, 6.6) compared to mainstream physicians. Early-adopter risk-management practices more often included tools increasing agency and measurement: urine drug screens (PR 2.0; 1.3, 3.1), risk screening (PR 1.3; 0.94, 1.9). While nearly all respondents (96%) felt that opioid abuse was a problem in the community, only 57% believed it was a problem among patients in their practice. Attribution theory revealed an externalization of opioid abuse problems that deflected blame from patients on to family members. Conclusions The primary motivator for prescribing ADFs was preventing diversion by family members, not patient-level abuse concerns. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40122-021-00343-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Dasgupta
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - John R Brown
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Maryalice Nocera
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Allison Lazard
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Svetla Slavova
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- UNC CB 7505, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Robinson A, Wilson MN, Hayden JA, Rhodes E, Campbell S, MacDougall P, Asbridge M. Health Care Provider Utilization of Prescription Monitoring Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2021; 22:1570-1582. [PMID: 33484144 PMCID: PMC8311582 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the literature on the proportion of health care providers who access and use prescription monitoring program data in their practice, as well as associated barriers to the use of such data. DESIGN We performed a systematic review using a standard systematic review method with meta-analysis and qualitative meta-summary. We included full-published peer-reviewed reports of study data, as well as theses and dissertations. METHODS We identified relevant quantitative and qualitative studies. We synthesized outcomes related to prescription monitoring program data use (i.e., ever used, frequency of use). We pooled the proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data by using random effects models, and we used meta-summary methodology to identify prescription monitoring program use barriers. RESULTS Fifty-three studies were included in our review, all from the United States. Of these, 46 reported on prescription monitoring program use and 32 reported on barriers. The pooled proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data was 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.66). Common barriers to prescription monitoring program data use included time constraints and administrative burdens, low perceived value of prescription monitoring program data, and problems with prescription monitoring program system usability. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that health care providers underutilize prescription monitoring program data and that many barriers exist to prescription monitoring program data use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysia Robinson
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Maria N Wilson
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily Rhodes
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Samuel Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Peter MacDougall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management and Peri-Operative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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5
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Sonneborn O, Miller C. The Pain Nurse Practitioner and Pain Nurse's Role and Views on Opioid Management in Australia: A National Questionnaire Survey. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:740-746. [PMID: 34108101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for access to Australian pain management services is growing. The dual crisis of opioid misuse and chronic pain, means pain nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) have a unique opportunity to meet clinical demands and advance their scope of practice. AIMS To understand the role of pain nurses and pain NPs across Australia and explore their perceptions of current opioid management. DESIGN This cross-sectional study involved pain nurses or pain NPs working in Australia who are a members of a pain interest group, which are subgroups of The Australian Pain Society. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved pain nurses or pain NPs working in Australia who are a members of a pain interest group, which are subgroups of The Australian Pain Society. Survey respondents were contacted via the eight nursing Pain Interest Groups in Australia. RESULTS Acute pain management (92.7%) and chronic pain management (80.5%) were the primary services provided, with pain specialty nurses providing nurse education (100.0%), patient support, clinician education, and policy development. Pain nurses believed there was an over prescription of opioid analgesics in Australia (97.6%), with NPs able to reduce opioid medication doses as part of opioid harm mitigation. CONCLUSIONS Pain nurses have a breadth of knowledge and experience highlight they can contribute to opioid management in the future, with the support of policy and organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sonneborn
- Faculty of Nursing, Latrobe University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Perioperative Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Charne Miller
- Faculty of Nursing, Latrobe University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Keller MS, Jusufagic A, Nuckols T, Needleman J, Heilemann M. How Do Clinicians of Different Specialties Perceive and Use Opioid Risk Mitigation Strategies? A Qualitative Study. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:1352-1362. [PMID: 34027814 PMCID: PMC8667780 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1926514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the opioid crisis, states and health systems are encouraging clinicians to use risk mitigation strategies aimed at assessing a patient's risk for opioid misuse or abuse: opioid agreements, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and urine drug tests (UDT). Objective: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand how clinicians perceived and used risk mitigation strategies for opioid abuse/misuse and identify barriers to implementation. Methods: We interviewed clinicians who prescribe opioid medications in the outpatient setting from 2016-2018 and analyzed the data using Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology. Results: We interviewed 21 primary care clinicians and 12 specialists. Nearly all clinicians reported using the PDMP. Some clinicians (adopters) found the opioid agreement and UDTs to be valuable, but most (non-adopters) did not. Adopters found the agreements and UDTs helpful in treating patients equitably, setting limits, and having objective evidence of misuse; protocols and workflows facilitated the use of the strategies. Non-adopters perceived the strategies as awkward, disruptive to the clinician-patient relationship, and introducing a power differential; they also cited lack of time and resources as barriers to use. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that clinicians in certain settings have found effective ways to implement and use the PDMP, opioid agreements, and UDT but that other clinicians are less comfortable with their use. Administrators and policymakers should ensure that the strategies are designed in a way that strengthens the clinician-patient relationship while maximizing safety for patients and that clinicians are adequately trained and supported when introducing the strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S. Keller
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Informatics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alma Jusufagic
- Division of Health Services Research, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Teryl Nuckols
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jack Needleman
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - MarySue Heilemann
- UCLA School of Nursing, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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7
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Van Cleave JH, Booker SQ, Powell-Roach K, Liang E, Kawi J. A Scoping Review of Nursing's Contribution to the Management of Patients with Pain and Opioid Misuse. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:58-68. [PMID: 33414010 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing brings a unique lens to care of patients with pain and opioid misuse. AIMS This scoping review describes nursing's contribution to the literature on the management of patients with pain and opioid misuse, generating evidence to guide clinical care. DESIGN The scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. DATA SOURCES Using combined key terms ("opioid misuse," "pain," "nursing") in systematic searches in PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) electronic databases, snowball technique, and personal knowledge resulted in 108 relevant articles, reports, and websites. ANALYSIS METHOD Summative approach to content analysis was used to quantify and describe nursing's contribution to the literature. RESULTS Contributions of nurses emerged in the areas of research, clinical practice, policy, and education. The highest number of publications addressed research (50%, 54 of 108), whereas the fewest number of publications involved education (7%, 8 of 108). CONCLUSION Results provide a picture of the breadth of expertise and crucial leadership that nurses contribute to influence management of patients with pain and opioid misuse. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING This scoping review indicates the importance of continued support from key stakeholders, including training and interprofessional collaboration opportunities supported by the National Institutes of Health, to sustain nursing's contribution to quality care of patients with pain and opioid misuse. Ultimately, all health care professionals must collaborate to conduct rigorous research and construct evidence-based guidelines to inform policy initiatives and education strategies to solve the complex co-occurring epidemics of pain and opioid misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Staja Q Booker
- University of Florida, College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Eva Liang
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Kawi
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Nursing, Las Vegas, Nevada
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8
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Alford DP, Lazure P, Murray S, Hardesty I, Krause JR, White JL. National Trends in Prescription Opioid Risk Mitigation Practices: Implications for Prescriber Education. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 20:907-915. [PMID: 30789651 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess national trends in selected prescription opioid risk mitigation practices and associations with prescriber type, state-specific opioid overdose severity, and required pain education. METHODS Analysis of the national SCOPE of Pain registrants' baseline self-report of five safer opioid prescribing practices over three years (March 2013-Februrary 2016). RESULTS Of 6,889 registrants for SCOPE of Pain, 70-94% reported performing each of five opioid risk mitigation practices for "most or all" patients, with 49% doing so for all five practices. Only 28% performed all five practices for "all" patients prescribed opioids. There were few differences among three yearly cohorts. Advanced practice nurses reported performing practices for "all" patients more often than physicians or physician assistants. Clinicians from states with high opioid overdose rates reported significantly higher implementation of most practices, compared with clinicians from states with low rates. CONCLUSIONS Prescribers report low levels of employing five opioid risk mitigation practices for all patients prescribed opioids before attending a safer opioid prescribing training. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Safer opioid prescribing education should transition from knowledge acquisition toward universal implementation of opioid risk mitigation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Alford
- The Barry M. Manuel Continuing Medical Education Office, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Ilana Hardesty
- The Barry M. Manuel Continuing Medical Education Office, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanna R Krause
- The Barry M. Manuel Continuing Medical Education Office, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie L White
- The Barry M. Manuel Continuing Medical Education Office, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Chisholm-Burns MA, Spivey CA, Sherwin E, Wheeler J, Hohmeier K. The opioid crisis: Origins, trends, policies, and the roles of pharmacists. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2019; 76:424-435. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxy089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina A Spivey
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, TN
| | - Erin Sherwin
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Memphis, TN
| | - James Wheeler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Knoxville, TN
| | - Kenneth Hohmeier
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN
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10
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Schatman ME, Vasciannie A, Kulich RJ. Opioid moderatism and the imperative of rapprochement in pain medicine. J Pain Res 2019; 12:649-657. [PMID: 30863137 PMCID: PMC6388760 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s198849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Schatman
- Research and Network Development, Boston PainCare, Waltham, MA, USA,
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,
| | - Alexis Vasciannie
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald J Kulich
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Urton MS, Rohlik E, Farrell M, Ng W, Woodard EK. Decreasing Opioid Utilization in Rehabilitation Patients Using a Clinical Nurse Specialist Pain Consultant Program. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 98:2491-2497. [PMID: 28668543 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether access to a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with expertise in pain management will result in more rapid decline in opioid use across the rehabilitation hospitalization. DESIGN Retrospective chart review of patients discharged during 6 months prior to and 6 months after introduction of the CNS role. SETTING Not-for-profit 98-bed community inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS Two population-based samples of adult, inpatient rehabilitation patients (N=72) with daily opioid use ≥30mg morphine equivalent dose (MED) per day on admission and length of stay ≥24 days. INTERVENTIONS Implementation of a CNS pain consult program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in average daily opioid use (milligrams of MED per day), measured at admission, week 1, week 2, and week 3. RESULTS Linear mixed modeling was used to estimate individual and group average opioid trajectories, including individual patient intercepts (opioid use at admission) and slopes (change in opioid use over time). There was a significant interaction between group and time (b=5.75, t=2.52, P<.01), indicating faster change in opioid use for the CNS group (quadratic slope, -5.91) compared with the no CNS group (quadratic slope, -.16). Quadratic change in the CNS group reflected an initial increase in opioid use from admission to week 1, followed by a steady decline. Conversely, there was virtually no change in the no CNS group. Random effects revealed considerable variability in opioid trajectories across patients. CONCLUSIONS Addition of a CNS pain consultant program to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital supported a distinct pattern of opioid tapering that promoted more rapid titration of daily opioid use across the rehabilitation hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wing Ng
- WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC
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