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Shoff C, Sheen A, Qu L, Chalmers NI. Rural-urban differences in dental opioid prescribing among adolescent/young adult and adult Medicaid beneficiaries. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1465206. [PMID: 39484343 PMCID: PMC11524882 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1465206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are ongoing concerns about opioid prescribing for surgical and non-surgical dental needs among adolescent/young adult and adult patients. Although there are known differences in the overall opioid prescription rates in rural areas compared to urban areas, the contribution of dental opioid prescriptions is still unclear. This study aims to examine the factors associated with receiving an opioid prescription following a dental visit. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study utilized the 2021 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unredacted Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files to examine Medicaid and CHIP adolescent/young adult beneficiaries aged 12-20 and adults aged 21-64 who are non-dually eligible for Medicare and had a dental visit in 2021. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription. Results The results of the adolescent/young adult models show that for every percentage point increase in the percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents in a county, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription increase by 0.8% in rural areas. However, with every percentage point increase in the Hispanic population, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription decrease by 0.3% in rural areas and 0.7% in urban areas. The adult models show that compared to non-Hispanic white beneficiaries, non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries are 8% more likely to receive a dental opioid prescription if they live in rural areas and 18% more likely if they live in urban areas, while all other racial and ethnic groups are significantly less likely to receive a dental opioid prescription. With every unit increase in the concentrated disadvantage index, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription increase by 17% among rural adults and 24% among urban adults. Discussion Our findings on rural-urban disparities in opioid prescriptions suggest that prescription patterns in dental settings are significant and inequitable across various beneficiary- and county-level factors and areas of residence. These variations in prescription patterns highlight the known disparities in access to preventive dental care and the need for targeted interventions to address the healthcare needs of rural residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Shoff
- Office of the Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alex Sheen
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, United States
| | - Luping Qu
- Office of the Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalia I. Chalmers
- Office of the Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Bradford AC, Lozano-Rojas F, Shone HB, Bradford WD, Abraham AJ. Cannabis Laws and Utilization of Medications for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2432021. [PMID: 39235808 PMCID: PMC11377998 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32021] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Mental health disorders are prevalent yet undertreated health conditions in the US. Given perceptions about the potential effect of cannabis on individuals with mental health disorders, there is a need to understand the association of cannabis laws with psychotropic use. Objective To investigate the association of medical and recreational cannabis laws and dispensary openings with the dispensing of psychotropic medications used to treat mental health disorders in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study of 10 013 948 commercially insured patients used a synthetic control method to examine the association of cannabis policies with prescribing. Data on all patients dispensed prescriptions for each of the 5 classes of psychotropic medications from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020, were extracted from Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Statistical analysis was performed from September 2022 to November 2023. Exposures The 4 exposure variables measured were whether medical or recreational cannabis laws were in effect and whether medical or recreational cannabis dispensaries were open in each state and calendar quarter. Main Outcome and Measures One measure of the extensive margins of dispensing and 2 measures of the intensive margins of dispensing were constructed for 5 medication classes (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates, and sleep medications). Results The primary sample (the benzodiazepine sample) included 3 848 721 patients (mean [SD] age, 46.1 [11.4] years; 65.4% women; 53.7% aged 35-54 years). Medical cannabis laws were associated with a 12.4% reduction in the benzodiazepine fill rate (average treatment effect on the treated [ATT], -27.4; 95% CI, -14.7 to 12.0; P = .001), recreational cannabis laws were associated with a 15.2% reduction in the fill rate (ATT, -32.5; 95% CI, -24.4 to 20.1; P = .02), and medical cannabis laws were associated with a 1.3% reduction in the mean number of benzodiazepine fills per patient (ATT, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.02; P = .04). Medical dispensaries were associated with a 3.9% reduction in mean days' supply per benzodiazepine fill (ATT, -1.7; 95% CI, -0.8 to 0.6; P = .001), while recreational dispensaries were associated with a 6.2% reduction (ATT, -2.4; 95% CI, -1.0 to 0.9; P < .001). Medical cannabis laws were associated with a 3.8% increase in antidepressant fills (ATT, 27.2; 95% CI, -33.5 to 26.9; P = .048), and medical dispensaries were associated with an 8.8% increase (ATT, 50.7; 95% CI, -32.3 to 28.4; P = .004). The mean number of antipsychotic medication fills per patient increased by 2.5% (ATT, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.05; P = .02) after medical cannabis laws and by 2.5% (ATT, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.04; P = .02) after medical dispensary openings. Findings for the other drug classes showed substantial heterogeneity by state and direction of association. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may have been meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state and between cannabis policy and drug class (eg, decreases in dispensing of benzodiazepines but increases in dispensing of antidepressants and antipsychotics). This finding suggests additional clinical research is needed to understand the association between cannabis use and mental health. The results have implications for patient substance use and mental health-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Lozano-Rojas
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia, School of Public & International Affairs, Athens
| | | | - W David Bradford
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia, School of Public & International Affairs, Athens
| | - Amanda J Abraham
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia, School of Public & International Affairs, Athens
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Kuo TY, Lu CH, Falls Z, Jette G, Gibson W, Elkin PL, Leonard KE, Bednarczyk EM, Jacobs DM. High-risk use of prescription opioids among patients treated for alcohol problems in New York State. A repeated cross-sectional study, 2005-2018. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2024; 12:100278. [PMID: 39286536 PMCID: PMC11403464 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and high-risk opioid use are at risk of serious complications. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with high-risk opioid use in patients with an alcohol use problem from 2005 to 2018. Methods This repeated cross-sectional study analyzed data from first admissions for alcohol treatment (2005-2018) to the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports merged with Medicaid Claims Data. High-risk opioid use was defined as opioid dose ≥50 morphine mg equivalents (MME) per day; opioid prescriptions overlapping ≥7 days; opioids for chronic pain >90 days or opioids for acute pain >7 days. Results Patients receiving ≥50 MME increased from 690 to 3226 from 2005 to 2010; then decreased to 2330 in 2018. From 2005-2011, patients with opioid prescriptions overlapping ≥7 days increased from 226 to 1594 then decreased to 892 in 2018. From 2005-2010, opioid use >7 days for acute pain increased from 133 to 970 and plateaued after 2010. From 2005-2018, patients who received opioids >90 days for chronic pain trended from 186 to 1655. White patients, females, age 36-55, patients with chronic and acute pain diagnoses had the highest rates of high-risk use. Conclusions The prevalence of high-risk opioid use in patients with alcohol use problems increased from 2005 to 2011, and generally decreased after 2010. However, prevalence of opioids >90 days for chronic pain trended up from 2005 to 2018. High-risk opioid use among patients with AUD emphasizes the need to develop interventional strategies to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yin Kuo
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Chi-Hua Lu
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zackary Falls
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gail Jette
- New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Walter Gibson
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Peter L. Elkin
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Leonard
- University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Edward M. Bednarczyk
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - David M. Jacobs
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Fennell G, Jacobson M, Grol-Prokopczyk H. Predictors of Multiwave Opioid Use Among Older American Adults. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad068. [PMID: 38094934 PMCID: PMC10714904 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad068] [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: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Despite limited analgesic benefits, long-term opioid therapy (L-TOT) is common among older adults with chronic pain. Extended opioid use poses a threat to older adults as aging metabolisms retain opioids for longer, increasing the risk of injury, overdose, and other negative health outcomes. In contrast to predictors of general opioid use, predictors of L-TOT in older adults are not well documented. We aimed to identify such predictors using all available data on self-reported opioid use in the Health and Retirement Study. Research Design and Methods Using 5 waves of data, respondents (N = 10,713) aged 51 and older were identified as reporting no opioid use (n = 8,621), a single wave of use (n = 1,410), or multiple waves of use (n = 682). We conducted a multinomial logistic regression to predict both single- and multiwave opioid use relative to no use. Demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, health, and health care-related factors were included in our model. Results Multivariable findings show that, relative to nonusers, both single- and multiwave users were significantly more likely to be younger (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.33; RRR = 2.88); report lower household wealth (RRR = 1.47; RRR = 2.88); live in the U.S. Midwest (RRR = 1.29; RRR = 1.56), South (RRR = 1.34; RRR = 1.58), or West (RRR = 1.46; RRR = 2.34); experience interfering pain (RRR = 1.59; RRR = 3.39), back pain (RRR = 1.35; RRR = 1.53), or arthritic pain (RRR = 1.46; RRR = 2.32); and see the doctor frequently (RRR = 1.50; RRR = 2.02). Multiwave users were less likely to be Black (RRR = 0.69) or Hispanic (RRR = 0.45), and less likely to be never married (RRR = 0.52). Discussion and Implications We identified demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, and health care-related predictors of chronic multiyear opioid use. Our focus on individuals taking opioids for this extended duration is novel. Differences in opioid use by geographic region and frequency of doctor visits particularly warrant attention from policy-makers and researchers. We make additional recommendations based on a sensitivity analysis limited to 2016-2020 data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Fennell
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mireille Jacobson
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Tormohlen KN, White SA, Bandara S, Bicket MC, McCourt AD, Davis CS, McGinty EE. Effects of state opioid prescribing cap laws on providers' opioid prescribing patterns among patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Prev Med 2023; 172:107535. [PMID: 37150305 PMCID: PMC10256455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Prior work suggests opioid prescribing cap laws are not associated with changes in opioid prescribing among patients with chronic pain. It is unknown how these effects differ by provider specialty, provider opioid prescribing volume, or patient insurer. This study assessed effects of state opioid prescribing cap laws on opioid prescribing among providers of patients with chronic non-cancer pain, by high volume prescribing, provider specialty, and patient insurer. We identified 224,290 providers of patients with low back pain, fibromyalgia, or headache from the IQVIA administrative database. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we examined impacts of opioid prescribing cap laws implemented between 2016 and 2018 on the annual proportion of a provider's patient panel who received any opioid prescription, as well as on dose and duration of opioid prescriptions. For providers overall, high volume prescribers, all specialties, and patient insurance categories, prescribing cap laws were associated with non-significant changes of <1.0, 1.5, and 3.5 percentage points in the proportion of chronic non-cancer patients receiving any opioid prescription, a prescription with 7 days' supply, or with >50 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day, per year, respectively. There were two exceptions with high dose prescribing: prescribing cap laws were associated with a 1.5 percentage point increase in the proportion of high-volume prescribers' patient panel receiving an opioid prescription with ≥50 MME/day, and a 3.0 percentage point decrease in the same measure among surgeons. Among nearly all measured subgroups of providers and patient insurers, opioid prescribing cap laws were not associated with changes in opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla N Tormohlen
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - Sarah A White
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Sachini Bandara
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Mark C Bicket
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, United States of America
| | | | - Corey S Davis
- Network for Public Health Law, United States of America
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Heins SE, Seelam R, Schell TL, Wong EC. Predictors of Long-Term Opioid Use After Hospitalization for Traumatic Injury in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population: A 12-Month Prospective Observational Study. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:122-129. [PMID: 36165692 PMCID: PMC10167926 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term prescription opioid use is a significant risk factor for opioid morbidity and mortality, and severe traumatic injury is an important initiation point for prescription opioid use. This study examines predictors of long-term prescription opioid use among a racially and ethnically diverse population of patients hospitalized for traumatic injury. METHODS Study participants (N= 650) from two urban Level I trauma centers were enrolled. Baseline information on demographics, injury characteristics, self-reported pre-injury substance use and mental health, and personality characteristics and attitudes was collected through interviews during the initial hospitalization. Patients were interviewed again at 3 months and 12 months and asked about prescription opioid use in the prior 7 days. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed participants' baseline characteristics associated with opioid use at one or more follow-up interviews. RESULTS Pre-injury use of prescription painkillers had the strongest association with prescription opioid use at follow-up (adjusted odds ratio: 3.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.86-5.17). Older age, health insurance coverage at baseline, length of hospitalization, higher current pain level, pre-injury post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and discharge to a location other than home were also associated with significantly higher odds of prescription opioid use at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Providers could consider screening for past use of prescription pain relievers and post-traumatic stress disorder before hospital discharge to identify patients who might benefit from additional resources and support. However, providers should ensure that these patients' pain management needs are still being met and avoid abrupt discontinuation of prescription opioid use among those with a history of long-term use.
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Tormohlen KN, McCourt AD, Schmid I, Stone EM, Stuart EA, Davis C, Bicket MC, McGinty EE. State prescribing cap laws' association with opioid analgesic prescribing and opioid overdose. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109626. [PMID: 36115221 PMCID: PMC9893520 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109626] [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] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In response to the role of opioid prescribing in the U.S. opioid crisis, states have enacted laws intended to curb high risk opioid prescribing practices. This study assessed the effects of state prescribing cap laws that limit the dose and/or duration of dispensed opioid prescriptions on opioid prescribing patterns and opioid overdose. METHODS We identified 1,414,908 adults from a large U.S. administrative insurance claims database. Treatment states included 32 states that implemented a prescribing cap law between 2017 and 2019. Comparison states included 16 states and DC without a prescribing cap law by 2019. A difference-in-differences approach with staggered policy adoption was used to assess effects of these laws on opioid analgesic prescribing and opioid overdose. RESULTS State opioid prescribing cap laws were not associated with changes in the proportion of people receiving opioid analgesic prescriptions, the dose or duration of opioid prescriptions, or opioid overdose. States with laws that imposed days' supply limits only versus days' supply and dosage limits, as well as with specific law provisions also showed no association with opioid prescribing or opioid overdose outcomes. CONCLUSIONS State opioid prescribing cap laws did not appear to impact outcomes related to opioid analgesic prescribing or opioid overdose. These findings are potentially due to the limited scope of these laws, which often apply only to a subset of opioid prescriptions and include professional judgment exemptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla N Tormohlen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Room 357, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Alex D McCourt
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ian Schmid
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Elizabeth M Stone
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Departments of Mental Health, Biostatistics, Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Room 839, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Corey Davis
- Harm Reduction Legal Project, Network for Public Health Law, 7101 York Avenue South, #270, Edina, MN 55435, USA.
| | - Mark C Bicket
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5048, USA.
| | - Emma E McGinty
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Mental Health and Addiction Policy, ALACRITY Center for Health and Longevity in Mental Illness, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Room 359, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Lin HC, Wang Z, Hu YH, Simon K, Buu A. Characteristics of statewide prescription drug monitoring programs and potentially inappropriate opioid prescribing to patients with non-cancer chronic pain: A machine learning application. Prev Med 2022; 161:107116. [PMID: 35750263 PMCID: PMC9307080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Unnecessary/unsafe opioid prescribing has become a major public health concern in the U.S. Statewide prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) with varying characteristics have been implemented to improve safe prescribing practice. Yet, no studies have comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of PDMP characteristics in reducing opioid-related potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) practices. The objective of the study is to apply machine learning methods to evaluate PDMP effectiveness by examining how different PDMP characteristics are associated with opioid-related PIPs for non-cancer chronic pain (NCCP) treatment. This was a retrospective observational study that included 802,926 adult patients who were diagnosed NCCP, obtained opioid prescriptions, and were continuously enrolled in plans of a major U.S. insurer for over a year. Four outcomes of opioid-related PIP practices, including dosage ≥50 MME/day and ≥90 MME/day, days supply ≥7 days, and benzodiazepine-opioid co-prescription were examined. Machine learning models were applied, including logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operation regression, classification and regression trees, random forests, and gradient boost modeling (GBM). The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was applied to interpret model results. The results show that among 1,886,146 NCCP opioid-related claims, 22.8% had an opioid dosage ≥50 MME/day and 8.9% ≥90 MME/day, 70.3% had days supply ≥7 days, and 10.3% were when benzodiazepine was filled ≤7 days ago. GBM had superior model performance. We identified the most salient PDMP characteristics that predict opioid-related PIPs (e.g., broader access to patient prescription history, monitoring Schedule IV controlled substances), which could be informative to the states considering the redesign of PDMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Chang Lin
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America.
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Yi-Han Hu
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Kosali Simon
- O'Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Anne Buu
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
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Suvada K, Zimmer A, Soodalter J, Malik JS, Kavalieratos D, Ali MK. Coprescribing of opioids and high-risk medications in the USA: a cross-sectional study with data from national ambulatory and emergency department settings. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057588. [PMID: 35710252 PMCID: PMC9207755 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe trends in opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing in the USA. DESIGN Analyses of serial, cross-sectional, nationally representative data of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) over 2007-2016 and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) over 2007-2018. SETTING US ambulatory (NAMCS) and emergency department (ED, NHAMCS) settings. PARTICIPANTS Patient visits in which the patient was 18 years and older with an opioid prescription in the NAMCS or NHAMCS databases. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing. RESULTS From a combined sample of 700 499 visits over 2007-2018, there were 105 720 visits (15.1%) where opioids were prescribed. n=31 825 were from NAMCS and n=73 895 were from NHAMCS. The mean prevalence of coprescription of opioids and high-risk medications for the combined NAMCS and NHAMCS sample was 18.4% in 2007, peaked at 33.2% in 2014 and declined to 23.8% in 2016. Compared with adults receiving opioid prescriptions alone, those coprescribed opioids and high-risk medications were older, more likely female, white and using private or Medicare insurance (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Coprescribing is more common in ambulatory than ED settings and has been declining, yet one in four patient visits where opioids were prescribed resulted in coprescribed, high-risk medications in 2016. Efforts and research to help lower the rates of high-risk prescribing are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Suvada
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna Zimmer
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jesse Soodalter
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jimi S Malik
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohammed K Ali
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Lei F, Lofwall MR, Freeman PR, Slade E, Vickers‐Smith R, Slavova S. Changes in transmucosal buprenorphine utilization for opioid use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky. J Rural Health 2022; 39:186-196. [PMID: 35610181 PMCID: PMC9348381 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE With surging opioid-involved overdoses, maintaining access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined changes in transmucosal buprenorphine prescribing for OUD treatment in Kentucky after the national COVID-19 emergency declaration, with a focus on rural-urban differences. METHODS Using 2019-2020 prescription monitoring data, we performed segmented regression analysis for an interrupted time series design to evaluate changes in weekly rates (per 100,000 residents) of dispensed prescriptions, unique individuals with dispensed prescriptions, and average days' supply for dispensed prescriptions of transmucosal buprenorphine. FINDINGS The weekly rates of dispensed prescriptions and unique individuals with dispensed prescriptions were higher for rural residents than urban residents. After the national COVID-19 emergency declaration, rural and urban residents experienced similar immediate drops in the rate of dispensed prescriptions (rural -33.4; urban -24.3) and unique patients with dispensed prescriptions (rural -25.0; urban -17.1), followed by similar sustained increases. Both measures surpassed the prepandemic levels in mid-June 2020. Patients residing in urban areas received averagely longer prescriptions at baseline (urban: 11.0 days; rural: 10.5 days). The average weekly days' supply increased in the week after the national emergency declaration, but the estimated increase was higher (P = .004) for urban (0.8 days) versus rural (0.5 days) residents. CONCLUSIONS Transmucosal buprenorphine utilization increased during the COVID-19 pandemic after experiencing interruption during the initial weeks of the pandemic. Future studies should evaluate the contribution of the relaxed telemedicine buprenorphine prescribing regulations during the COVID-19 national emergency on initiation and maintenance of buprenorphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feitong Lei
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public HealthUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science and PsychiatryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA,Center on Drug and Alcohol ResearchUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Patricia R. Freeman
- Center on Drug and Alcohol ResearchUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA,Department of Pharmacy Practice and ScienceUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Emily Slade
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public HealthUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Rachel Vickers‐Smith
- Department of EpidemiologyCollege of Public HealthUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public HealthUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA,Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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The effect of state policies on rates of high-risk prescribing of an initial opioid analgesic. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 231:109232. [PMID: 35007956 PMCID: PMC8810626 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple state policies, such as prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and duration limits, have been implemented to decrease high-risk opioid prescribing. Studies demonstrate that many policies decrease certain opioid prescribing behaviors, but few examine their intended effects on the targeted high-risk prescribing practices, nor disentangle the effects of concurrent state or federal policies likely to influence those practices. METHODS Forty-one million initial prescriptions for new opioid episodes from 2007 to 2018 were identified using national pharmacy claims. We identified high-risk initial prescriptions, defined as >7 days' supply, average daily MME >90, or concurrent with benzodiazepines and estimated three multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between policies and outcomes controlling for patient, prescriber, and county characteristics. RESULTS Initial prescriptions for >7 days declined from 23.8% in 2007 to 14.9% in 2018, associated with mandatory and interoperable PDMPs and prescription duration limits but not other policies examined. Initial prescriptions with daily MME > 90 declined from 13.2% to 1.9%, associated with pain management clinic laws but not consistently with other policies. Initial prescriptions concurrent with benzodiazepines declined only modestly from 6.9% to 6.5%, associated with pain management clinic laws but not other policies examined. CONCLUSIONS The opioid policy environment has changed rapidly with a range of different policies being implemented addressing high-risk prescribing. PDMP laws mandating prescriber use and pain clinic laws both appear efficacious but decrease different types of high-risk opioid prescribing. New policies should be considered in light of the prevalence of the problem being addressed.
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12
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Buttorff C, Wang GS, Tung GJ, Wilks A, Schwam D, Pacula RL. APCDs can Provide Important Insights for Surveilling the Opioid Epidemic, With Caveats. Med Care Res Rev 2021; 79:594-601. [PMID: 34933577 DOI: 10.1177/10775587211062382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
State-level all-payer claims databases (APCDs) are a possible new public health surveillance tool, but their reliability is unclear. We compared Colorado's APCD with other state-level databases for use in monitoring the opioid epidemic (Colorado Hospital Association and Colorado's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database for 2010-2017), using descriptive analyses comparing quarterly counts/rates of opioid-involved inpatient and emergency department visits and counts/rates of 30-day opioid fills between databases. Utilization is lower in the Colorado APCD than the other databases for all outcomes but trends are parallel and consistent between databases. State APCDs hold promise for researchers, but they may be better suited to individual-level analyses or comparisons of providers than for surveillance of public health trends related to addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George S Wang
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | | | - Asa Wilks
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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13
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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: 20] [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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14
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Heins SE, Buttorff C, Armstrong C, Pacula RL. Claims-based measures of prescription opioid utilization: A practical guide for researchers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109087. [PMID: 34598101 PMCID: PMC8595838 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increased attention to the opioid epidemic and the role of inappropriate prescribing, there has been a marked increase in the number of studies using claims data to study opioid use and policies designed to curb misuse. Our objective is to review the medical literature for recent studies that use claims data to construct opioid use measures and to develop a guide for researchers using these measures. METHODS We searched for articles relating to opioid use measured in health insurance claims data using a defined set of search terms for the years 2014-2020. Original research articles based in the United States that used claims-based measures of opioid utilization were included and information on the study population and measures of any opioid use, quantity of opioid use, new opioid use, chronic opioid use, multiple providers, and overlapping prescriptions was abstracted. RESULTS A total of 164 articles met inclusion criteria. Any opioid use was the most commonly included measure, defined by 85 studies. This was followed by quantity of opioids (68 studies), chronic opioid use (53 studies), overlapping prescriptions (28 studies), and multiple providers (8 studies). Each measure contained multiple, distinct definitions with considerable variation in how each was operationalized. CONCLUSIONS Claims-based opioid utilization measures are commonly used in research, but definitions vary significantly from study to study. Researchers should carefully consider which opioid utilization measures and definitions are most appropriate for their study and recognize how different definitions may influence study results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA,Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California
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15
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Ball SJ, Simpson K, Zhang J, Marsden J, Heidari K, Moran WP, Mauldin PD, McCauley JL. High-Risk Opioid Prescribing Trends: Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data From 2010 to 2018. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:379-384. [PMID: 32956292 PMCID: PMC7940459 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deaths due to opioids have continued to increase in South Carolina, with 816 opioid-involved overdose deaths reported in 2018, a 9% increase from the prior year. The objective of the current study is to examine longitudinal trends (quarter [Q] 1 2010 through Q4 2018) of opioid prescribing volume and high-risk opioid prescribing behaviors in South Carolina using comprehensive dispensing data available in the South Carolina Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (SC PDMP). DESIGN Retrospective analyses of SC PDMP data were performed using general linear models to assess quarterly time trends and change in rate of each outcome Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. PARTICIPANTS Opioid analgesic prescription fills from SC state residents between Q1 2010 and Q4 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES High-risk prescribing behaviors included (1) opioid prescribing rate; (2) percentage of patients receiving opioids dispensed 90 or more average morphine milligram equivalents daily; (3) percentage of opioid prescribed days with overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions; (4) rate per 100 000 residents of multiple provider episodes; and (5) percentage of patients prescribed extended release opioids who were opioid naive. RESULTS A total of 33 027 461 opioid prescriptions were filled by SC state residents within the time period of Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. A 41% decrease in the quarterly prescribing rate of opioids occurred from Q1 2010 to Q4 2018. The decrease in overall opioid prescribing was mirrored by significant decreases in all 4 high-risk prescribing behaviors. CONCLUSION PDMPs may represent the most complete data regarding the dispensing of opioid prescriptions and as such be valuable tools to inform and monitor the supply of licit opioids. Our results indicate that public health policy, legislative action, and multiple clinical interventions aimed at reducing high rates of opioid prescribing across the health care ecosystem appear to be succeeding in the state of South Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Ball
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kit Simpson
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - William P. Moran
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick D. Mauldin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jenna L. McCauley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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16
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Yang TC, Kim S, Shoff C. Income inequality and opioid prescribing rates: Exploring rural/urban differences in pathways via residential stability and social isolation. RURAL SOCIOLOGY 2021; 86:26-49. [PMID: 33867589 PMCID: PMC8045985 DOI: 10.1111/ruso.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While opioid prescribing rates have drawn researchers' attention, little is known about the mechanisms through which income inequality affects opioid prescribing rates and even less focuses on whether there is a rural/urban difference in mediating pathways. Applying mediation analysis techniques to a unique ZIP code level dataset from several sources maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we explicitly examine two mechanisms through residential stability and social isolation by rural/urban status and find that (1) income inequality is not directly related to opioid prescribing rates, but it exerts its influence on opioid prescribing via poor residential stability and elevated social isolation; (2) social isolation accounts for two-thirds of the mediating effect of income inequality on opioid prescribing rates among urban ZIP codes, but the proportion halves among rural ZIP codes; (3) residential stability plays a larger role in understanding how income inequality matters in rural than in urban ZIP codes; and (4) beneficiary characteristics only matter in urban ZIP codes. These findings offer nuanced insight into how income inequality affects opioid prescribing rates and suggests that the determinants of opioid prescribing rates vary by rural/urban status. Future research may benefit from identifying place-specific factors for opioid prescribing rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Chuan Yang
- University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Arts & Sciences 351, Albany, NY 12222
| | - Seulki Kim
- University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Arts & Sciences 356, Albany, NY 12222
| | - Carla Shoff
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244
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17
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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18
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Delaney L, Gunaseelan V, Rieck H, Dupree JM, Hallstrom B, Englesbe M, Brummett C, Waljee J. High-Risk Prescribing Increases Rates of New Persistent Opioid Use in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients. J Arthroplasty 2020; 35:2472-2479.e2. [PMID: 32389404 PMCID: PMC8289485 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between surgeon prescribing practices and new persistent postoperative opioid use is not well understood. We examined the association between surgeon prescribing and new persistent use among total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis of Medicare claims in Michigan was performed. The study cohort consisted of orthopedic surgeons performing THAs from 2013 to 2016 and their opioid-naïve patients, aged >65 years. High-risk prescribing included high daily doses, overlapping benzodiazepine prescriptions, concurrent opioid prescriptions, prescriptions from multiple providers, or long-acting opioid prescriptions. The occurrence of a preoperative prescription, initial prescription size, and 30-day prescription dosage were examined as individual exposures. Surgeons were categorized into quartiles by prescribing practices, and multilevel hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine associations with postoperative new persistent opioid use. RESULTS Surgeons exhibited high-risk prescribing for 66% of encounters. Patients of surgeons with the highest rates of high-risk prescribing were more likely to develop persistent use compared with patients of surgeons with the lowest rates (adjusted rates: 9.7% vs 4.6%, P = .011). Patients of surgeons with initial prescription sizes in the "high" (third) quartile (adjusted odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.51), and of surgeons in the "highest" (fourth) quartile of 30-day prescription dosage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.61), were more likely to develop persistent opioid use compared with patients of surgeons with low initial and 30-day prescription sizes, respectively. CONCLUSION The development of persistent opioid use after surgery is multifactorial, and surgeon prescribing patterns play an important role. Reducing prescribing and encouraging opioid alternatives could minimize postoperative persistent opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Delaney
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Vidhya Gunaseelan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor
| | - Heidi Rieck
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Brian Hallstrom
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Mike Englesbe
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, Ann Arbor
| | - Chad Brummett
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jennifer Waljee
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, Ann Arbor
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19
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Chuang E, Gil EN, Gao Q, Kligler B, McKee MD. Relationship Between Opioid Analgesic Prescription and Unemployment in Patients Seeking Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in Urban Primary Care. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:1528-1533. [PMID: 30184213 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The widespread use of opioid analgesics to treat chronic nonmalignant pain has contributed to the ongoing epidemic of opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have also demonstrated a relationship between opioid analgesic use and unemployment due to disability. These studies have been limited to mainly white European and North American populations. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between opioid analgesic use for chronic nonmalignant pain in an urban, mainly black and Hispanic, low-income population. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional observational study. SETTING Subjects were recruited from six urban primary care health centers. SUBJECTS Adults with chronic neck, back, or osteoarthritis pain participating in an acupuncture trial were included. METHODS Survey data were collected as a part of the Acupuncture Approaches to Decrease Disparities in Pain Treatment two-arm (AADDOPT-2) comparative effectiveness trial. Participants completed a baseline survey including employment status, opioid analgesic use, the Brief Pain Inventory, the global Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems quality of life measure, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and demographic information. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to examine the association between opioid analgesic use and unemployment. RESULTS Opioid analgesic use was associated with three times the odds of unemployment due to disability while controlling for potential confounders, including depression, pain severity, pain interference, global physical and mental functioning, and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the growing body of evidence that opioid analgesics should be used with caution in chronic nonmalignant pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric N Gil
- Departments of Family and Social Medicine
| | - Qi Gao
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Benjamin Kligler
- Department of Family Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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20
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Lagisetty P, Bohnert A, Goesling J, Hu HM, Lagisetty K, Brummett C, Englesbe M, Waljee J. Care Coordination for Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy Following Surgery: A Cohort Study. Ann Surg 2020; 272:304-310. [PMID: 32675543 PMCID: PMC7197041 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe if patients with chronic opioid use with a consistent usual prescriber (UP) prior to surgery and if early return to that UP (<30 d) would be associated with fewer high risk prescribing events in the postoperative period. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Over 10 million people each year are prescribed opioids for chronic pain. There is little evidence regarding coordination of opioid management and best practices for patients on long-term opioid therapy patients following surgery. METHODS The study design is a retrospective cohort study. We identified 5749 commercially insured patients aged 18 to 64 with chronic opioid use who underwent elective surgery between January 2008 and March 2015. The predictors were presence of a UP and early return (<30 d from surgery) to a UP. The primary outcome was new high-risk opioid prescribing in the 90-day postoperative period (multiple prescribers, overlapping opioid and/or benzodiazepine prescriptions, new long acting opioid prescriptions, or new dose escalations to > 100 mg OME). RESULTS In this cohort, 73.8% of patients were exposed to high risk prescribing postoperatively. Overall, 10% of patients did not have a UP preoperatively, and were more likely to have prescriptions from multiple prescribers (OR 2.23 95% CI 1.75-2.83) and new long acting opioid prescriptions (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.05-2.71). Among patients with a UP, earlier return was associated with decreased odds of receiving prescriptions from multiple prescribers (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.95). CONCLUSION Patients without a UP prior to surgery are more likely to be exposed to high-risk opioid prescribing following surgery. Among patients who have a UP, early return visits may enhance care coordination with fewer prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Lagisetty
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
- Center for Clinical Management and Research, Ann Arbor, MI
- Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Amy Bohnert
- Center for Clinical Management and Research, Ann Arbor, MI
- Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Jenna Goesling
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Hsou Mei Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Kiran Lagisetty
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Chad Brummett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Mike Englesbe
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer Waljee
- Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, School of Medicine
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21
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Brown JR, Oh GY, Wang Y, Slavova S, Delcher C, Dasgupta N, Freeman PR. Variation in Abuse-Deterrent Formulation Opioid Prescribing in California, Florida, and Kentucky in 2018. J Rural Health 2020; 37:23-28. [PMID: 32686223 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abuse-deterrent formulation (ADF) opioid analgesics have been developed as a means to address prescription opioid abuse. ADF opioid use in clinical practice is not well described in the literature. This study characterizes ADF opioid prescribing patterns in 3 diverse states. METHODS This study used data from prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) in California, Florida, and Kentucky. The sample includes all ADF opioid prescriptions for patients ≥18 years old during the study period (CY 2018). Standardized prescribing rates were calculated by age, sex, and county rurality. The ADF opioid prescribing rate was calculated per 1,000 adult recipients of opioid analgesics. FINDINGS The rate of ADF prescribing per 1,000 adult recipients of opioid analgesics was nearly twice as high in Florida (14.57; 95% CI: 14.44-14.69) than in California (8.30; 95% CI: 8.22-8.37) or Kentucky (8.20; 95% CI: 8.01-8.39). ADF prescribing rates were highest among adults ages 55-74 years and among males. ADF opioid prescribing in rural counties represented a greater proportion of total patients using opioid analgesics than in metro counties in California (RR 1.40; CI: 1.28-1.53). Opposite and less pronounced variation was observed in Kentucky (RR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.98), and a significant difference was not observed in Florida (RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.38-1.19). CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences in the ADF prescribing rates among the 3 states and in rural versus metro counties within 2 states. ADF opioid prescribing by age and sex showed similar trends within states. Further research is needed to elucidate contextual factors which may lead to prescribing variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Brown
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky.,Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - GYeon Oh
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.,Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Yanning Wang
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Chris Delcher
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky.,Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, Carrboro, North Carolina
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky.,Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky
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22
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Variation in the degree of concentration of prescription opioid utilization using different measures. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 213:108101. [PMID: 32540714 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of opioid prescribing patterns have shown that a small percentage of prescribers are responsible for a large portion of total prescriptions. There is some evidence that prescription opioid use may be similarly concentrated, but patterns may differ by population and choice of opioid utilization measure. The objective of this study is to determine what proportion of prescription opioid utilization was attributable to the top utilizers among Medicaid beneficiaries and how this proportion varies by the measure used. METHODS We analyzed 2008-2009 Medicaid claims data from 14 states and created three claims-based measures of aggregate opioid utilization: total number of annual prescriptions, total annual milligrams morphine equivalent, and total days supply. We tested two versions of the total days supply measure: one assuming consecutive use and the other assuming concurrent use of prescriptions. RESULTS The top 20 % of prescription opioid users accounted for 66 % of prescriptions, 82-85 % of days supply depending on assumption, and 90 % of morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The degree to which prescription opioid utilization was concentrated among the top 20 % of users varied minimally across states. CONCLUSIONS A small percentage of prescription opioid users account for a large share of prescription opioid use. Policy efforts should use metrics pertaining to days supply and total MME, not numbers of prescriptions, to more efficiently target heavy utilization. Policies targeting high-dose prescribing should consider the different ways that overlapping prescriptions may be taken.
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23
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The Impact of Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose Threshold Guidelines on Prescribed Dose in a Workers' Compensation Population. Med Care 2020; 58:241-247. [PMID: 32106166 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription opioid overdose has increased markedly and is of great concern among injured workers receiving workers' compensation insurance. Given the association between high daily dose of prescription opioids and negative health outcomes, state workers' compensation boards have disseminated Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (MEDD) guidelines to discourage high-dose opioid prescribing. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of MEDD guidelines among workers' compensation claimants on prescribed opioid dose. METHODS Workers' compensation claims data, 2010-2013 from 2 guideline states and 3 control states were utilized. The study design was an interrupted time series with comparison states and average monthly MEDD was the primary outcome. Policy variables were specified to allow for both instantaneous and gradual effects and additional stratified analyses examined evaluated the policies separately for individuals with and without acute pain, cancer, and high-dose baseline use to determine whether policies were being targeted as intended. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, state fixed-effects, and time trends, policy implementation was associated with a 9.26 mg decrease in MEDD (95% confidence interval, -13.96 to -4.56). Decreases in MEDD also became more pronounced over time and were larger in groups targeted by the policies. CONCLUSIONS Passage of workers' compensation MEDD guidelines was associated with decreases in prescribed opioid dose among injured workers. Disseminating MEDD guidelines to doctors who treat workers' compensation cases may address an important risk factor for opioid-related mortality, while still allowing for autonomy in practice. Further research is needed to determine whether MEDD policies influence prescribing behavior and patient outcomes in other populations.
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24
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Sears JM, Edmonds AT, Fulton-Kehoe D. Tracking Opioid Prescribing Metrics in Washington State (2012-2017): Differences by County-Level Urban-Rural and Economic Distress Classifications. J Rural Health 2019; 36:152-166. [PMID: 31583779 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE High-risk opioid prescribing is a critical driver of prescription opioid-related morbidity and mortality. This study explored opioid prescribing patterns across urban-rural and economic distress classifications. Secondarily, this study explored the urban-rural distribution of relevant health services, economic factors, and population characteristics. METHODS County-level opioid prescribing metrics were based on quarterly Washington State Prescription Monitoring Program data (2012-2017). Counties were classified using the 2013 National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties, and Washington State unemployment-based distressed areas. County-level measures from Area Health Resources Files were used to describe the urban-rural continuum. FINDINGS Persistent economic distress was associated with higher-risk opioid prescribing. The large central metropolitan category had lower-risk opioid prescribing metrics than the other 5 urban-rural categories, which were similar to each other and not ordered by degree of rurality. High-risk prescribing declined over time, without notable trend divergence by either urban-rural or economic distress classifications. CONCLUSIONS The most striking urban-rural differences in opioid prescribing metrics were between large central metropolitan and all other categories; thus, we recommend caution when collapsing urban-rural categories for analysis. Further research is needed regarding geographic and economic patterning of opioid prescribing practices, as well as the dissemination of guidelines and best practices across the urban-rural continuum. Finally, the multiple intertwined burdens faced by rural communities-higher-risk prescribing practices, higher opioid morbidity and mortality rates, and fewer resources for primary care, mental health care, alternative pain treatment, and opioid use disorder treatment-must be addressed as an urgent public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy T Edmonds
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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25
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Springer R, Marino M, Bailey SR, Angier H, O’Malley JP, Hoopes M, Lindner S, DeVoe JE, Huguet N. Prescription opioid use patterns, use disorder diagnoses and addiction treatment receipt after the 2014 Medicaid expansion in Oregon. Addiction 2019; 114:1775-1784. [PMID: 31106483 PMCID: PMC6731997 DOI: 10.1111/add.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Evidence suggests that Medicaid beneficiaries in the United States are prescribed opioids more frequently than are people who are privately insured, but little is known about opioid prescribing patterns among Medicaid enrollees who gained coverage via the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions. This study compared the prevalence of receipt of opioid prescriptions and opioid use disorder (OUD), along with time from OUD diagnosis to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) receipt between Oregon residents who had been continuously insured by Medicaid, were newly insured after Medicaid expansion in 2014 or returned to Medicaid coverage after expansion. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using inverse-propensity weights to adjust for differences among insurance groups. SETTING Oregon. PARTICIPANTS A total of 225 295 Oregon Medicaid adult beneficiaries insured during 2014-15 and either: (1) newly enrolled, (2) returning in 2014 after a > 12-month gap or (3) continuously insured between 2013 and 2015. We excluded patients in hospice care or with cancer diagnoses. MEASUREMENTS Any opioid-dispensed, chronic (> 90-days) and high-dose (> 90 daily morphine milligram equivalence) opioid use, documented OUD diagnosis and MAT receipt. FINDINGS Compared with the continuously insured, newly and returning insured enrollees were less likely to be dispensed opioids [newly: 42.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 42.0-42.7%; returning: 49.3%, 95% CI = 48.8-49.7%; continuously: 52.5%, 95% CI = 52.0-53.0%], use opioids chronically (newly: 12.8%, 95% CI = 12.4-13.1%; returning: 11.9%, 95% CI = 11.5-12.3%, continuously: 15.8%, 95% CI = 15.4-16.2%), have OUD diagnoses (newly: 3.6%, 95% CI = 3.4-3.7%; returning: 3.9%, 95% CI = 3.8-4.1%, continuously: 4.7%, 95% CI = 4.5-4.9%) and receive MAT after OUD diagnosis [hazard ratio newly: 0.57, 95% CI = 0.53-0.61; hazard ratio returning: 0.60, 95% CI = 0.56-0.65 (ref: continuously)]. CONCLUSIONS Residents of Oregon, United States who enrolled or re-enrolled in Medicaid health insurance after expansion of coverage in 2014 as a result of the Affordable Care Act were less likely than those already covered to receive opioids, use them chronically or receive medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Springer
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA.,Corresponding Author: Rachel Springer, MS,
Biostatistician, Department of Family Medicine, Mailcode: FM, Oregon Health
& Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland OR 97239,
| | - Miguel Marino
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science
University-Portland State University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Steffani R Bailey
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Heather Angier
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Jean P O’Malley
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA.,OCHIN, Portland OR USA
| | | | - Stephan Lindner
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science
University-Portland State University, Portland, OR USA.,Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA.,OCHIN, Portland OR USA
| | - Nathalie Huguet
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science
University, Portland, OR USA
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26
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Lund BC, Ohl ME, Hadlandsmyth K, Mosher HJ. Regional and Rural–Urban Variation in Opioid Prescribing in the Veterans Health Administration. Mil Med 2019; 184:894-900. [DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Opioid prescribing is heterogenous across the US, where 3- to 5-fold variation has been observed across states or other geographical units. Residents of rural areas appear to be at greater risk for opioid misuse, mortality, and high-risk prescribing. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides a unique setting for examining regional and rural–urban differences in opioid prescribing, as a complement and contrast to extant literature. The objective of this study was to characterize regional variation in opioid prescribing across Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and examine differences between rural and urban veterans.
Materials and Methods
Following IRB approval, this retrospective observational study used national administrative VHA data from 2016 to assess regional variation and rural–urban differences in schedule II opioid prescribing. The primary measure of opioid prescribing volume was morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dispensed per capita. Secondary measures included incidence, prevalence of any use, and prevalence of long-term use.
Results
Among 4,928,195 patients, national VHA per capita opioid utilization in 2016 was 1,038 MME. Utilization was lowest in the Northeast (894 MME), highest in the West (1,368 MME), and higher among rural (1,306 MME) than urban (988 MME) residents (p < 0.001). Most of the difference between rural and urban veterans (318 MME) was attributable to differences in long-term opioid use (312 MME), with similar rates of short-term use.
Conclusion
There is substantial regional and rural–urban variation in opioid prescribing in VHA. Rural veterans receive over 30% more opioids than their urban counterparts. Further research is needed to identify and address underlying causes of these differences, which could include access barriers for non-pharmacologic treatments for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Lund
- Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA
| | - Michael E Ohl
- Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Katherine Hadlandsmyth
- Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Hilary J Mosher
- Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
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27
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Curtis HJ, Croker R, Walker AJ, Richards GC, Quinlan J, Goldacre B. Opioid prescribing trends and geographical variation in England, 1998-2018: a retrospective database study. Lancet Psychiatry 2019; 6:140-150. [PMID: 30580987 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a call for greater monitoring of opioid prescribing in the UK, particularly of strong opioids in chronic pain, for which there is little evidence of clinical benefit. We aimed to comprehensively assess trends and variation in opioid prescribing in primary care in England, from 1998 to 2018, and to assess factors associated with high-dose opioid prescribing behaviour in general practices. METHODS We did a retrospective database study using open data sources on prescribing for all general practices in England. For all standard opioids we calculated the number of items prescribed, costs, and oral morphine equivalency to account for variation in strength. We assessed long-term prescribing trends from 1998 to 2017, patterns of geographical variation for 2018, and investigated practice factors associated with higher opioid prescribing. We also analysed prescriptions for long-acting opioids at high doses. FINDINGS Between 1998 and 2016, opioid prescriptions increased by 34% in England (from 568 per 1000 patients to 761 per 1000). After correcting for total oral morphine equivalency, the increase was 127% (from 190 000 mg to 431 000 mg per 1000 population). There was a decline in prescriptions from 2016 to 2017. If every practice prescribed high-dose opioids at the lowest decile rate, 543 000 fewer high-dose prescriptions could have been issued over a period of 6 months. Larger practice list size, ruralness, and deprivation were associated with greater high-dose prescribing rates. The clinical commissioning group to which a practice belongs accounted for 11·7% of the variation in high-dose prescribing. We have developed a publicly available interactive online tool, OpenPrescribing.net, which displays all primary care opioid prescribing data in England down to the individual practice level. INTERPRETATION Failing to account for opioid strength would substantially underestimate the true increase in opioid prescribing in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Our findings support calls for greater action to promote best practice in chronic pain prescribing and to reduce geographical variation. This study provides a model for routine monitoring of opioid prescribing to aid targeting of interventions to reduce high-dose prescribing. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School of Primary Care Research, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, NHS England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Curtis
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Croker
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Alex J Walker
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Georgia C Richards
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane Quinlan
- Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Goldacre
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK.
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28
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Rose AJ, McBain R, Schuler MS, LaRochelle MR, Ganz DA, Kilambi V, Stein BD, Bernson D, Chui KKH, Land T, Walley AY, Stopka TJ. Effect of Age on Opioid Prescribing, Overdose, and Mortality in Massachusetts, 2011 to 2015. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 67:128-132. [PMID: 30471102 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of age on the likelihood of PIP of opioids and the effect of PIP on adverse outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Data from multiple state agencies in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2015. PARTICIPANTS Adult Massachusetts residents (N=3,078,163) who received at least one prescription opioid during the study period; approximately half (1,589,365) aged 50 and older. MEASUREMENTS We measured exposure to 5 types of PIP: high-dose opioids, coprescription with benzodiazepines, multiple opioid prescribers, multiple opioid pharmacies, and continuous opioid therapy without a pain diagnosis. We examined 3 adverse outcomes: nonfatal opioid overdose, fatal opioid overdose, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS The rate of any PIP increased with age, from 2% of individuals age 18 to 29 to 14% of those aged 50 and older. Older adults also had higher rates of exposure to 2 or more different types of PIP (40-49, 2.5%; 50-69, 5%; ≥70, 4%). Of covariates assessed, older age was the greatest predictor of PIP. In analyses stratified according to age, any PIP and specific types of PIP were associated with nonfatal overdose, fatal overdose, and all-cause mortality in younger and older adults. CONCLUSION Older adults are more likely to be exposed to PIP, which increases their risk of adverse events. Strategies to reduce exposure to PIP and to improve outcomes in those already exposed will be instrumental to addressing the opioid crisis in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:128-132, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Rose
- RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts.,Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Marc R LaRochelle
- Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Ganz
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.,David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Bradley D Stein
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dana Bernson
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Thomas Land
- School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Tufts Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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