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Ma P, Cheng Y, Goulet JL, Sandbrink F, Brandt C, Spevak C, Kean JT, Becker W, Libin A, Shara N, Sheriff HM, Houston JS, Butler J, Workman ET, Agrawal RM, Kupersmith J, Zeng-Treitler Q. Guideline concordant opioid therapy in Veterans receiving VA and community care. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1284. [PMID: 39456008 PMCID: PMC11515256 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11742-1] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Guideline concordant opioid therapy is a key part of the concerted effort to address the opioid crisis in the United States. The study aimed to compare the rates of guideline concordant care between veterans who solely used VA services (mono users) and veterans who used both VA services and community care (dual-system users). We used electronic health record data from the Washington DC and Baltimore VA Medical Centers from 2015 to 2019. We provided descriptive statistics as well as generalized estimating equations models to find associations between mono vs. dual-system users and each guideline outcome, controlling for demographic factors and comorbid conditions. The study found that overall rates of guideline concordant care were high in both mono and dual-system users with over 90% adherence rates for the majority of recommendations. However, there were variations in adherence to specific guidelines, with urine drug screening at initiation being the least commonly followed recommendation (8.9% of mono-user opioid initiators and 11.2% of dual-user initiators). This study also found that there was no consistent pattern of higher guideline adherence in mono vs. dual-system users but did show that through the course of this study (2015-2019) overall rates of guideline concordance increased. Future research will explore additional guideline recommendations and potential coordination issues among dual-system users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Ma
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yan Cheng
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joseph L Goulet
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Cynthia Brandt
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chris Spevak
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jacob T Kean
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William Becker
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander Libin
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- MedStar Health, Columbia, MD, USA
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nawar Shara
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- MedStar Health, Columbia, MD, USA
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Helen M Sheriff
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth T Workman
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Joel Kupersmith
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Qing Zeng-Treitler
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
- University Biomedical Informatics Center, 2600 Virginia Ave NW, Suite 300, 20037, Washington, DC, USA.
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Sandbrink F, Schuster NM. Opioids and Cannabinoids in Neurology Practice. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:1447-1474. [PMID: 39445929 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioid and cannabinoid therapies for chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain are controversial. Understanding patient and prescribing factors contributing to risks and implementing risk mitigation strategies optimizes outcomes. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS The ongoing transformation from a biomedical model of pain care toward a biopsychosocial model has been accompanied by a shift away from opioid therapy for pain, in particular for chronic pain. Opioid overdose deaths and opioid use disorder have greatly increased in the last several decades, initially because of increases in opioid prescribing and more recently associated with illicit drug use, in particular fentanyl derivatives. Opioid risk mitigation strategies may reduce risks related to opioid prescribing and tapering or discontinuation. Opioid therapy guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have become the consensus best practice for opioid therapy. Regulatory agencies and licensing medical boards have implemented restrictions and other mandates regarding opioid therapy. Meanwhile, interest in and use of cannabinoids for chronic pain has grown in the United States. ESSENTIAL POINTS Opioid therapy is generally not recommended for the chronic treatment of neuropathic pain conditions. Opioids may be considered for temporary use in patients with severe pain related to selected neuropathic pain conditions (such as postherpetic neuralgia), and only as part of a multimodal treatment regimen. Opioid risk mitigation strategies include careful patient selection and evaluation, patient education and informed consent, querying the state prescription drug monitoring programs, urine drug testing, and issuance of naloxone as potential rescue medication. Close follow-up when initiating or adjusting opioid therapy and frequent reevaluation during long-term opioid therapy is required. There is evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoids for neuropathic pain, with meaningful response rates in select patient populations.
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Brezic N, Gligorevic S, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Assessing suicide risk in chronic pain management: a narrative review across drug classes. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:1135-1155. [PMID: 39126380 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2391999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain presents a multifaceted challenge in clinical practice, necessitating a nuanced understanding of pharmacological interventions to optimize treatment outcomes. This review provides an outline of various pharmacological agents commonly used in chronic pain management and highlights their safety considerations, particularly regarding suicide risk. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the role of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, GABA receptor agonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, cannabis and cannabinoids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists in chronic pain management. It assesses their therapeutic benefits, potential for misuse, and psychiatric adverse effects, including the risk of suicide. Each pharmacological class is evaluated in terms of its efficacy, safety profile, and considerations for clinical practice. We searched peer-reviewed English literature on the topic using the MEDLINE database without time restrictions. EXPERT OPINION While pharmacological interventions offer promise in alleviating chronic pain, healthcare providers must carefully weigh their benefits against potential risks, including the risk of exacerbating psychiatric symptoms and increasing suicide risk. Individualized treatment approaches, close monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimizing pain management strategies while mitigating adverse effects. Ongoing research efforts are crucial for advancing our understanding of these pharmacological interventions and refining pain management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Brezic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Strahinja Gligorevic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth D Candido
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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Shanahan ML, Rand KL, Galloway A, Matthias MS. Treatment Goals and Preferences of Black Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104487. [PMID: 38336030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding patient goals and preferences is critical in the context of complex conditions such as chronic pain. This need may be especially pronounced for Black patients, who experience significant health and healthcare disparities. The primary aim of this study was to describe the treatment goals and preferences of Black veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain who were enrolled in the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial testing a coaching intervention. In the coaching sessions, participants (n = 106) identified their most important pain-related treatment goals and preferences. Participants' top treatment goals were to improve physical functioning (61%), increase engagement in valued activities (45%), and reduce pain intensity (37%). Most participants (73%) preferred non-pharmacological treatments (eg, physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture, yoga). The 17% of participants who identified medications as a preferred treatment demonstrated higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not. Approximately 42% and 21% of participants stated a preference to avoid pharmacological and surgical pain treatments, respectively. Black patients with chronic pain prioritize improving physical functioning and pain intensity in service of increasing their engagement in exercise, work, relationships, and leisure activities. Also, in the current study, patients expressed a clear preference for non-pharmacological pain treatments. Future research should investigate ways to improve communication of goals and preferences with providers and facilitate access to non-pharmacological treatments for Black patients with chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: This article describes the treatment goals and preferences of Black veterans with chronic pain. Most patients prioritized goals to improve physical functioning, pain severity, and participation in valued activities. Patients primarily preferred non-pharmacological treatments. This emphasizes the need for clear communication with Black patients regarding pain-related goals and non-pharmacological treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Shanahan
- Center for Innovations in Quality Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin L Rand
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Amanda Galloway
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Marianne S Matthias
- VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Fritz JM, Ford I, George SZ, Vinci de Vanegas L, Cope T, Burke CA, Goode AP. Telehealth delivery of physical therapist-led interventions for persons with chronic low back pain in underserved communities: lessons from pragmatic clinical trials. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1324096. [PMID: 38706872 PMCID: PMC11066221 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1324096] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In this perspective, we present our experience developing and conducting two pragmatic clinical trials investigating physical therapist-led telehealth strategies for persons with chronic low back pain. Both trials, the BeatPain Utah and AIM-Back trials, are part of pragmatic clinical trial collaboratories and are being conducted with persons from communities that experience pain management disparities. Practice guidelines recommend nonpharmacologic care, and advise against opioid therapy, for the primary care management of persons with chronic low back pain. Gaps between these recommendations and actual practice patterns are pervasive, particularly for persons from racial or ethnic minoritized communities, those with fewer economic resources, and those living in rural areas including Veterans. Access barriers to evidence-based nonpharmacologic care, which is often provided by physical therapists, have contributed to these evidence-practice gaps. Telehealth delivery has created new opportunities to overcome access barriers for nonpharmacologic pain care. As a relatively new delivery mode however, telehealth delivery of physical therapy comes with additional challenges related to technology, intervention adaptations and cultural competence. The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges encountered when implementing telehealth physical therapy programs for persons with chronic low back pain in historically underserved communities. We also discuss strategies developed to overcome barriers in an effort to improve access to telehealth physical therapy and reduce pain management disparities. Inclusion of diverse and under-represented communities in pragmatic clinical trials is a critical consideration for improving disparities, but the unique circumstances present in these communities must be considered when developing implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Fritz
- Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Isaac Ford
- Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Steven Z. George
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Laura Vinci de Vanegas
- Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tyler Cope
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Colleen A. Burke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Adam P. Goode
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Mudumbai SC, He H, Chen JQ, Kapoor A, Regala S, Mariano ER, Stafford RS, Abnet CC, Pfeiffer RM, Freedman ND, Etemadi A. Opioid use in cancer patients compared with noncancer pain patients in a veteran population. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae012. [PMID: 38457606 PMCID: PMC11009465 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid safety initiatives may secondarily impact opioid prescribing and pain outcomes for cancer care. METHODS We reviewed electronic health record data at a tertiary Veterans Affairs system (VA Palo Alto) for all patients from 2015 to 2021. We collected outpatient Schedule II opioid prescriptions data and calculated morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conversion formulas. To determine the clinical impact of changes in opioid prescription, we used the highest level of pain reported by each patient on the 0-to-10 Numeric Rating Scale in each year, categorized into mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7 and above). RESULTS Among 89 569 patients, 9073 had a cancer diagnosis. Cancer patients were almost twice as likely to have an opioid prescription compared with noncancer patients (69.0% vs 36.7%, respectively). The proportion of patients who received an opioid prescription decreased from 27.1% to 18.1% (trend P < .01) in cancer patients and from 17.0% to 10.2% in noncancer patients (trend P < .01). Cancer and noncancer patients had similar declines of MMEs per year between 2015 and 2019, but the decline was more rapid for cancer patients (1462.5 to 946.4, 35.3%) compared with noncancer patients (1315.6 to 927.7, 29.5%) from 2019 to 2021. During the study period, the proportion of noncancer patients who experienced severe pain was almost unchanged, whereas it increased among cancer patients, reaching a significantly higher rate than among noncancer patients in 2021 (31.9% vs 27.4%, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest potential unintended consequences for cancer care because of efforts to manage opioid-related risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshadri C Mudumbai
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Han He
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ji-Qing Chen
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aditi Kapoor
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Regala
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Edward R Mariano
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Randall S Stafford
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christian C Abnet
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruth M Pfeiffer
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Neal D Freedman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arash Etemadi
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Heavey SC, Beehler GP, Funderburk J. (RE-)AIMing for Rapid Uptake: Pilot Evaluation of a Modified Hub and Spoke Model of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder. Med Care 2024; 62:44-51. [PMID: 37800974 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an effective, evidence-based treatment, but significant gaps in implementation remain. We evaluate one novel approach to address this gap: a Hub and Spoke model to increase buprenorphine access and management. METHODS This outcome evaluation was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework using secondary data analysis of clinical and administrative data to characterize program outcomes for program Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, and Maintenance. Implementation was assessed through a chart review of provider progress notes and through key informant interviews with program staff to understand why this site was able to introduce a novel approach to MOUD. RESULTS Nearly half of patients with opioid use disorder (45.48%, n=156) were reached by the program over 2 years. Of those, 91.67% had 1 or more program visits after an initial intake appointment, and 78.85% had a buprenorphine prescription. Patients in the program were 2.44 times more likely to have a buprenorphine prescription than those in comparator site that did not have a Hub and Spoke program (95% CI: 1.77-3.37; P <0.001). There was significantly greater program reach in year 1 than year 2, suggesting rapid initial uptake followed by modest program growth. Key informant interviews illustrated several themes regrading program implementation, including the importance of process champions, the beneficial impact of MOUD for patients, and addressing facility performance metrics. A supportive organizational culture and a receptive climate were also key factors for implementation. CONCLUSIONS This program led to rapid improvement in MOUD uptake across the facility. Future efforts should focus on improving program maintenance, including supporting the exchange of patients from the hub to appropriate spokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cercone Heavey
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, School of Public Health & Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Gregory P Beehler
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, School of Public Health & Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
| | - Jennifer Funderburk
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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Axon DR, Agu U. Correlation of Positive Psychological Health among US Adults (Aged ≥ 50 Years) with Pain and Documented Opioid Treatment. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:27. [PMID: 38247679 PMCID: PMC10813132 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to identify the factors correlated with positive psychological health among United States older adults (≥50 years) with pain and documented opioid treatment. This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized a nationally representative dataset (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey). A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to assess the correlation of positive psychological health in the eligible population. The logistic regression model showed having excellent/very good/good (versus fair/poor) perceived health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 9.062; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.383, 15.254) had a statistically significant correlation with positive psychological health among the eligible population. This finding offers important insights for clinicians and policymakers to consider when formulating approaches to better manage the psychological health of United States older adults with pain and documented opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Axon
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1295 North Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
- Center for Health Outcomes & Pharmacoeconomic Research (HOPE Center), College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1295 North Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Uche Agu
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1295 North Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
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Koch NV, Butterfield RJ. Association of Primary Care Risk Mitigation Visits and Nonelective Emergency Department Visits in Patients Using Long-term Opioid Therapy. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2023; 7:366-372. [PMID: 37655232 PMCID: PMC10466427 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine risk factors for nonelective emergency department visits (NEDVs) and whether primary care visits incorporating risk mitigation tools prevented NEDVs among patients using long-term opioid therapy (LOT). Patients and Methods We retrospectively searched the electronic health records at Mayo Clinic primary care outpatient practices in Arizona and Florida in all of 2018 and 2019 for the records of individual adult patients using LOT. Patient and clinician demographic characteristics and patient risk factors were compared between patients with and without risk mitigation visits. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for NEDVs. Results Among 457 patients using LOT identified during the study period, most were women (n=266, 58.2%), and the median age was 69 years. Long-term opioid therapy risk mitigation visits were performed equally by family medicine and internal medicine clinicians and by a significantly higher proportion of Florida clinicians than Arizona clinicians (87.0% vs 70.5%; P<.001). Older age, falls, and mental health care utilization all increased the risk of NEDVs. Risk mitigation visits were protective against NEDVs (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.89; P=.01) after adjustment for older age, falls, and mental health care utilization. Conclusion Risk mitigation visits are effective in preventing NEDVs, and all patients using LOT should have such visits when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy V. Koch
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
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Wang K, Fenton BT, Skanderson M, Black AC, Becker WC, Seng EK, Anthony SE, Guirguis AB, Altalib HH, Kimber A, Lorenze N, Scholten JD, Graham GD, Sandbrink F, Sico JJ. Changes in opioid prescribing in veterans with headache during the COVID-19 pandemic: A regression discontinuity in time analysis. Headache 2023; 63:1295-1303. [PMID: 37596904 DOI: 10.1111/head.14605] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine changes in opioid prescribing among veterans with headaches during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by comparing the stay-at-home phase (March 15 to May 30, 2020) and the reopening phase (May 31 to December 31, 2020). BACKGROUND Opioid prescribing for chronic pain has declined substantially since 2016; however, changes in opioid prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic among veterans with headaches remain unknown. METHODS This retrospective cohort study utilized regression discontinuity in time and difference-in-differences design to analyze veterans aged ≥18 years with a previous diagnosis of headache disorders and an outpatient visit to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) during the study period. We measured the weekly number of opioid prescriptions, the number of days supplied, the daily dose in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and the number of prescriptions with ≥50 morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDD). RESULTS A total of 81,376 veterans were analyzed with 589,950 opioid prescriptions. The mean (SD) age was 51.6 (13.5) years, 57,242 (70.3%) were male, and 53,464 (65.7%) were White. During the pre-pandemic period, 323.6 opioid prescriptions (interquartile range 292.1-325.8) were dispensed weekly, with an median (IQR) of 24.1 (24.0-24.4) days supplied and 31.8 (31.2-32.5) MMEs. Transition to stay-at-home was associated with a 7.7% decrease in the number of prescriptions (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.077, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.866-0.984) and a 9.8% increase in days supplied (IRR 1.098, 95% CI 1.078-1.119). Similar trends were observed during the reopening period. Subgroup analysis among veterans on long-term opioid therapy also revealed 1.7% and 1.4% increases in days supplied during the stay-at-home (IRR 1.017, 95% CI 1.009-1.025) and reopening phase (IRR 1.014, 95% CI 1.007-1.021); however, changes in the total number of prescriptions, MME/day, or the number of prescriptions >50 MEDD were insignificant. CONCLUSION Prescription opioid access was maintained for veterans within VHA during the pandemic. The de-escalation of opioid prescribing observed prior to the pandemic was not seen in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaicheng Wang
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Center for Analytic Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brenda T Fenton
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anne C Black
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - William C Becker
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Seng
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Sarah E Anthony
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Hamada H Altalib
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Addison Kimber
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nancy Lorenze
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joel D Scholten
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Glenn D Graham
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Friedhelm Sandbrink
- Pain Management Specialty Services, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jason J Sico
- Research, Education, Evaluation and Engagement Activities Center for Headache, Headache Centers of Excellence, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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11
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Hurtado SL, Simon-Arndt CM, Belding JN, Sanchez SS, Spevak C, Osik A. Evaluation of Two Educational Modalities for the Clinical Practice Guideline for Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain for US Military Physicians. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2023; 43:241-246. [PMID: 36728977 PMCID: PMC10664779 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain was updated in 2017 with targeted guidance to provide safe opioid use while mitigating the increasing levels of prescription opioid misuse among military personnel. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two educational training modalities for the CPG (an online training [OLT] module and a mobile app) on provider's knowledge, practices, and comfort with the CPG. The OLT was a self-paced interactive slide-based module that emphasized practical application, and the app provided information on the revised CPG and provider and patient resources. METHODS Active duty providers (N = 56) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (OLT only, app only, OLT and app combined, or neither OLT nor the app), and they completed a pre-test and an 8-week post-test. RESULTS Compared with those who received neither intervention, providers who received OLT only or the app only showed significant increases in knowledge over time. The combination of both OLT and app did not seem to significantly increase knowledge above either the OLT or the app alone. Neither the OLT, the app, nor their combination significantly increased either practices or comfort over time. DISCUSSION These results show that use of these educational tools, individually, was associated with an increase in provider knowledge, suggesting that these tools constitute a valuable addition to the available resources to optimize CPG implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L. Hurtado
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cynthia M. Simon-Arndt
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jennifer N. Belding
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sandra S. Sanchez
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christopher Spevak
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Amy Osik
- Hurtado: Research Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Simon-Arndt: Senior Behavioral Health Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Belding: Behavioral Health Researcher, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Sanchez: Research Scientist, Naval Health Research Center, Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA. Dr. Spevak: Director Pain Management Fellowship, Director Opioid Safety Program, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Osik: Senior Program Manager, National Capital Region Pain Initiative, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
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12
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Nevedal AL, Timko C, Lor MC, Hoggatt KJ. Patient and Provider Perspectives on Benefits and Harms of Continuing, Tapering, and Discontinuing Long-Term Opioid Therapy. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:1802-1811. [PMID: 36376623 PMCID: PMC9663196 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07880-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given efforts to taper patients off long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) because of known harms, it is important to understand if patients and providers align in LTOT treatment goals. OBJECTIVE To investigate patient and provider perceptions about the harms and benefits of continuing and discontinuing LTOT. DESIGN Qualitative study PARTICIPANTS: Patients and providers with experiences with LTOT for pain in two Veterans Health Affairs regions. APPROACH We conducted semi-structured interviews and analyzed data using rapid qualitative analysis to describe patient and provider preferences about LTOT continuation and discontinuation and non-opioid pain treatments. KEY RESULTS Participants (n=43) included 28/67 patients and 15/17 providers. When discussing continuing LTOT, patients emphasized the benefits outweighed the harms, whereas providers emphasized the harms. Participants agreed on the benefits of continuing LTOT for improved physical functioning. Provider-reported benefits of continuing LTOT included maintaining the status quo for patients without opioid alternatives or who were at risk for illicit drug use. Participants were aligned regarding the harms of negative side-effects (e.g., constipation) from continued LTOT. In contrast, when discussing LTOT tapering and discontinuation, providers underscored how benefits outweighed the harms, citing patients' improved well-being and pain management with tapering or alternatives. Patients did not foresee benefits to potential LTOT tapers or discontinuation and were worried about pain management in the absence of LTOT. When discussing non-opioid pain treatments, participants emphasized that they were adjunctive to opioid therapy rather than a replacement (except for cannabis). Providers described the importance of mental health services to manage pain, which differed from patients who focused on treatments to improve strength and mobility and reduce pain. CONCLUSIONS Patients emphasized the benefits of continuing LTOT for pain management and well-being, which differed from providers' emphasis on the benefits of discontinuing LTOT. Patient and provider differences are important for informing patient-centered care and decisions around continuing, tapering, or discontinuing LTOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Nevedal
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Christine Timko
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mai Chee Lor
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Katherine J Hoggatt
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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13
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Hamilton M, Kwok WS, Hsu A, Mathieson S, Gnjidic D, Deyo R, Ballantyne J, Von Korff M, Blyth F, Lin CWC. Opioid deprescribing in patients with chronic noncancer pain: a systematic review of international guidelines. Pain 2023; 164:485-493. [PMID: 36001299 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In response to the overuse of prescription opioid analgesics, clinical practice guidelines encourage opioid deprescribing (ie, dose reduction or cessation) in patients with chronic noncancer pain. Therefore, this study evaluated and compared international clinical guideline recommendations on opioid deprescribing in patients with chronic noncancer pain. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (United Kingdom), and MAGICapp databases from inception to June 4, 2021, with no language or publication restrictions. In addition, we searched the National Guideline Clearinghouse and International Guideline Network databases from inception to December 2018. Two independent reviewers conducted the initial title and abstract screening. After discrepancies were resolved through discussion, 2 independent reviewers conducted the full-text screening of each potentially eligible reference. Four independent reviewers completed the prepiloted, standardized data extraction forms of each included guideline. Extracted information included bibliographical details; strength of recommendations; and the outcomes, such as when and how to deprescribe, managing withdrawal symptoms, additional support, outcome monitoring, and deprescribing with coprescription of sedatives. A narrative synthesis was used to present the results. This study found that clinical practice guidelines agree on when and how to deprescribe opioid analgesics but lack advice on managing a patient's withdrawal symptoms, outcome monitoring, and deprescribing with coprescription of sedatives. Quality assessment of the guidelines suggests that greater discussion on implementation and dissemination is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hamilton
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wing S Kwok
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arielle Hsu
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Mathieson
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Deyo
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | | - Michael Von Korff
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Fiona Blyth
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chung-Wei Christine Lin
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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14
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Sasson C, Dieujuste N, Klocko R, Basrai Z, Celedon M, Hsiao J, Himstreet J, Hoffman J, Pfaff C, Malmstrom R, Smith J, Holstein A, Johnson-Koenke R. Barriers and facilitators to implementing medications for opioid use disorder and naloxone distribution in Veterans Affairs emergency departments. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:289-298. [PMID: 36757683 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Safer opioid prescribing patterns, naloxone distribution, and medications for opioid use disorder (M-OUD) are an important part of decreasing opioid-related adverse events. Veterans are more likely to experience these adverse events compared to the general population. Despite treatment guidelines and ED-based opioid safety programs implemented throughout Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, many Veterans with OUD do not receive these harm reduction interventions. Prior research in other health care settings has identified barriers to M-OUD initiation and naloxone distribution; however, little is known about how this may be similar or different for health care professionals in VA ED and urgent care centers. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with VA health care professionals and staff using a semistructured interview guide. We analyzed the data addressing barriers and facilitators to M-OUD treatment in the ED and naloxone distribution using descriptive matrix analysis, followed by team consensus. RESULTS We interviewed 19 VA staff in various roles. Respondent concerns and considerations regarding the initiation of M-OUD in the ED included M-OUD initiation falling outside of ED's scope of providing acute treatment, lack of VA-approved M-OUD protocols and follow-up procedures, staffing concerns, and educational gaps. Respondents reported that naloxone was important but lacked clarity on who should prescribe it. Some respondents stated that an automated system to prescribe naloxone would be helpful, and others felt that it would not offer needed support and education to patients. Some respondents reported that naloxone would not address opioid misuse, which other respondents felt was a belief due to stigma around substance use and lack of education about treatment options. CONCLUSIONS Our VA-based research highlights similarities of barriers and facilitators, seen in other health care settings, when implementing opioid safety initiatives. Education and training, destigmatizing substance use disorder care, and leveraging technology are important facilitators to increasing access to lifesaving therapies for OUD treatment and harm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Comilla Sasson
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nathalie Dieujuste
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert Klocko
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Zahir Basrai
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Manuel Celedon
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jonie Hsiao
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julianne Himstreet
- National Academic Detailing Services, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jonathan Hoffman
- VISN 19 Academic Detailing, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Cassidy Pfaff
- VISN 19 Academic Detailing, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert Malmstrom
- National Academic Detailing Services, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jason Smith
- VISN 19 Academic Detailing, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Rachel Johnson-Koenke
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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15
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Goulet J, Cheng Y, Becker W, Brandt C, Sandbrink F, Workman TE, Ma P, Libin A, Shara N, Spevak C, Kupersmith J, Zeng-Treitler Q. Opioid use and opioid use disorder in mono and dual-system users of veteran affairs medical centers. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1148189. [PMID: 37124766 PMCID: PMC10141670 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1148189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efforts to achieve opioid guideline concordant care may be undermined when patients access multiple opioid prescription sources. Limited data are available on the impact of dual-system sources of care on receipt of opioid medications. Objective We examined whether dual-system use was associated with increased rates of new opioid prescriptions, continued opioid prescriptions and diagnoses of opioid use disorder (OUD). We hypothesized that dual-system use would be associated with increased odds for each outcome. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted using Veterans Administration (VA) data from two facilities from 2015 to 2019, and included active patients, defined as Veterans who had at least one encounter in a calendar year (2015-2019). Dual-system use was defined as receipt of VA care as well as VA payment for community care (non-VA) services. Mono users were defined as those who only received VA services. There were 77,225 dual-system users, and 442,824 mono users. Outcomes were three binary measures: new opioid prescription, continued opioid prescription (i.e., received an additional opioid prescription), and OUD diagnosis (during the calendar year). We conducted a multivariate logistic regression accounting for the repeated observations on patient and intra-class correlations within patients. Results Dual-system users were significantly younger than mono users, more likely to be women, and less likely to report white race. In adjusted models, dual-system users were significantly more likely to receive a new opioid prescription during the observation period [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76-1.93], continue prescriptions (OR = 1.24, CI 1.22-1.27), and to receive an OUD diagnosis (OR = 1.20, CI 1.14-1.27). Discussion The prevalence of opioid prescriptions has been declining in the US healthcare systems including VA, yet the prevalence of OUD has not been declining at the same rate. One potential problem is that detailed notes from non-VA visits are not immediately available to VA clinicians, and information about VA care is not readily available to non-VA sources. One implication of our findings is that better health system coordination is needed. Even though care was paid for by the VA and presumably closely monitored, dual-system users were more likely to have new and continued opioid prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Goulet
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yan Cheng
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - William Becker
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Cynthia Brandt
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Terri Elizabeth Workman
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Phillip Ma
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexander Libin
- MedStar Health, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nawar Shara
- MedStar Health, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christopher Spevak
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joel Kupersmith
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- Joel Kupersmith,
| | - Qing Zeng-Treitler
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Qing Zeng-Treitler,
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16
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Faley B, Brooks A, Vartan CM, DiScala SL. Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner-Driven High Opioid Dose Reevaluation in Veterans with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2022; 36:249-259. [PMID: 36044721 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2022.2113594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Veterans Health Administration implemented the Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) in 2013 to promote safe/rational opioid prescribing. West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVAHCS) has been an outlier for the percentage of Veterans with chronic non-cancer pain receiving ≥90 mg Morphine Equivalent Daily Dosing (MEDD) in Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 8 since the 2016 fiscal year. The purpose was to determine the utility of a Pain Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) identifying, reviewing, and approaching Veterans utilizing high-dose opioids for dose reevaluation and the impact on OSI metric post-opioid reevaluation. Pain CPP opioid education resulted in 28% (11/39) of Veterans undergoing an average 17.7 mg MEDD opioid dose reduction. For Veterans evaluated by Pain CPP, 83% (15/18) reported no change or improvement in average pain and PEG score. Pain CPP's implemented 48 interventions outside of opioid dose reduction, the most common related to naloxone. No documented opioid overdose events, hospitalizations for uncontrolled pain or mental health, suicide attempts or pain-related crisis interventions were reported. Pain CPP's are equipped to provide opioid education, address risk mitigation strategies, reassess pain regimens, and refer for non-pharmacologic modalities. Utilization of Pain CPP resources helps improve OSI metrics while providing safe comprehensive medication management (CMM) for chronic pain.
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17
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Bennett AS, Guarino H, Britton PC, O'Brien-Mazza D, Cook SH, Taveras F, Cortez J, Elliott L. U.S. Military veterans and the opioid overdose crisis: a review of risk factors and prevention efforts. Ann Med 2022; 54:1826-1838. [PMID: 35792749 PMCID: PMC9262363 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2092896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
U.S. military veterans have been heavily impacted by the opioid overdose crisis, with drug overdose mortality rates increasing by 53% from 2010-2019. Risk for overdose among veterans is complex and influenced by ongoing interaction among physiological/biological, psychological, and socio-structural factors. A thorough understanding of opioid-related overdose among veterans, one that goes beyond simple pharmacological determinism, must examine the interplay of pain, pain treatment, and stress, as well as psychological and social experiences-before, during, and after military service. Comprehensive efforts to tackle the overdose crisis among veterans require interventions that address each of these dimensions. Promising interventions include widespread naloxone distribution and increased provision of low-threshold wrap-around services, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and holistic/complementary approaches. Interventions that are delivered by peers - individuals who share key experiential or sociodemographic characteristics with the population being served - may be ideally suited to address many of the barriers to opioid-related risk mitigation common among veterans. Community care models could be beneficial for the large proportion of veterans who are not connected to the Veterans Health Administration and for veterans who, for various reasons including mental health problems and the avoidance of stigma, are socially isolated or reluctant to use traditional substance use services. Interventions need to be tailored in such a way that they reach those more socially isolated veterans who may not have access to naloxone or the social support to help them in overdose situations. It is important to incorporate the perspectives and voices of veterans with lived experience of substance use into the design and implementation of new overdose prevention resources and strategies to meet the needs of this population. Key messagesU.S. military veterans have been heavily impacted by the opioid overdose crisis, with drug overdose mortality rates increasing by 53% from 2010-2019.The risks for overdose that veterans face need to be understood as resulting from an ongoing interaction among biological/physiological, psychological, and social/structural factors.Addressing drug overdose in the veteran population requires accessible and non-judgemental, low threshold, wraparound, and holistic solutions that recognise the complex aetiology of overdose risk for veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Bennett
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (cduhr.org), New York, NY, USA
| | - Honoria Guarino
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (cduhr.org), New York, NY, USA.,CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter C Britton
- VA Center for Excellence, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Stephanie H Cook
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (cduhr.org), New York, NY, USA
| | - Franklin Taveras
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Cortez
- OnPoint, New York Harm Reduction Educators/Washington Heights Corner Project, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luther Elliott
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (cduhr.org), New York, NY, USA
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18
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Morasco BJ, Adams MH, Hooker ER, Maloy PE, Krebs EE, Lovejoy TI, Saha S, Dobscha SK. A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial to Decrease Prescription Opioid Misuse: Improving the Safety of Opioid Therapy (ISOT). J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3805-3813. [PMID: 35296983 PMCID: PMC9640488 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07476-7] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions to reduce harms related to prescription opioids are needed in primary care settings. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a multicomponent intervention, Improving the safety of opioid therapy (ISOT), is efficacious in reducing prescription opioid harms. DESIGN Clinician-level, cluster randomized clinical trial. ( ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02791399) SETTING: Eight primary care clinics at 1 Veterans Affairs health care system. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-five primary care clinicians and 286 patients who were prescribed long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). INTERVENTION All clinicians participated in a 2-hour educational session on patient-centered care surrounding opioid adherence monitoring and were randomly assigned to education only or ISOT. ISOT is a multicomponent intervention that included a one-time consultation by an external clinician to the patient with monitoring and feedback to clinicians over 12 months. MAIN MEASURES The primary outcomes were changes in risk for prescription opioid misuse (Current Opioid Misuse Measure) and urine drug test results. Secondary outcomes were quality of the clinician-patient relationship, other prescription opioid safety outcomes, changes in clinicians' opioid prescribing characteristics, and a non-inferiority analysis of changes in pain intensity and functioning. KEY RESULTS ISOT did not decrease risk for prescription opioid misuse (difference between groups = -1.12, p = 0.097), likelihood of an aberrant urine drug test result (difference between groups = -0.04, p=0.401), or measures of the clinician-patient relationship. Participants allocated to ISOT were more likely to discontinue prescription opioids (20.0% versus 8.1%, p = 0.007). ISOT did not worsen participant-reported scores of pain intensity or function. CONCLUSIONS ISOT did not impact risk for prescription opioid misuse but did lead to increased likelihood of prescription opioid discontinuation. More intensive interventions may be needed to impact treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Morasco
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.
| | - Melissa H Adams
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Hooker
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Patricia E Maloy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Erin E Krebs
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, USA
| | - Somnath Saha
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Primary Care Division, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Steven K Dobscha
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
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19
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Strigo IA, Murphy E, Mitchell JM, Spadoni AD. Learning from addiction: Craving of prescription opioids in chronic pain sufferers. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104904. [PMID: 36202255 PMCID: PMC10917419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Prescription opioids are a primary driver of opioid-related deaths. Although craving is a substantial component of OUD, the degree to which craving leads to misuse among chronic pain patients on long-term prescription opioids is unknown. A clear understanding of the factors that lead to misuse in this vulnerable population is needed for the development of safe and effective practices for opioid taper. This narrative review summarizes the relevant literature on the role of craving in addiction and chronic pain through epidemiological and behavioral studies. The first part of this review examines the role of craving in predicting opioid use/misuse in individuals with chronic pain with and without OUD. The second part covers methods on how craving is evaluated experimentally using both subjective and objective measures and provides related findings. The overall goal of this review is to facilitate the development of a population-specific description of craving in those who use opioids to control chronic pain and to describe how it may be mechanistically linked to patterns of opioid (mis)use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Strigo
- Emotion and Pain Laboratory, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Emily Murphy
- Emotion and Pain Laboratory, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Andrea D Spadoni
- San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92300, USA
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20
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Toor T, Murphy E, Simmons AN, Palyo S, Librodo SC, Strigo IA. Craving of prescription opioids among veterans with chronic pain. Pain 2022; 163:2021-2030. [PMID: 35297818 PMCID: PMC9329486 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The United States faces a crisis because of the high prevalence of chronic pain, concurrent opioid use disorder, and overdose deaths. Prescription opioids remain a primary driver of opioid-related deaths. Craving is a core symptom of addiction, yet the degree to which craving plays a role in prescription opioid use among patients with chronic pain is unknown. Understanding the degree to which craving should be considered in patients with chronic pain is critical for developing effective interventions for supporting patients through opioid tapering. The current work combines data collected from (1) 2152 veterans screened for eligibility at a pain specialty care clinic at the San Francisco VA Health Care System and (2) medical records obtained from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. We found that prescription opioid craving among veterans with chronic pain was low, with 66.4% of the sample reporting no craving and 33.6% reporting craving. We also found that craving had a small association with morphine equivalent daily dose and pain severity but was more strongly associated with depression. Craving of prescription opioids among veterans with chronic pain is complex. Findings are discussed in relation to chronic pain symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, and demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Toor
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Emily Murphy
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alan N. Simmons
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Sarah Palyo
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sara C. Librodo
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Irina A. Strigo
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA
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21
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Sacarny A, Safran E, Steffel M, Dunham JR, Abili OD, Mohajeri L, Oh PT, Sim A, Brutcher RE, Spevak C. Effect of Pharmacist Email Alerts on Concurrent Prescribing of Opioids and Benzodiazepines by Prescribers and Primary Care Managers. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2022; 3:e223378. [PMID: 36218952 PMCID: PMC9526090 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.3378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Question Can pharmacist email alerts to practitioners reduce concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines? Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 2237 patients coprescribed opioids and benzodiazepines and 789 practitioners who treated them, email alerts failed to detectably reduce concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines, which can put patients at risk of overdose. The email alerts had no statistically significant effect on patient receipt of these medications or on practitioner prescribing. Meaning These findings suggest that alternative strategies may be more fruitful targets for efforts to make opioid prescribing safer and demonstrate that pairing randomization with quality improvement activities can generate evidence for stakeholders. Importance Policy makers have sought to discourage concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines (coprescribing) because it is associated with overdose. Email alerts sent by pharmacists may reduce coprescribing, but this intervention lacks randomized evidence. Objective To investigate whether pharmacist emails to practitioners caring for patients who recently received opioids and benzodiazepines reduce coprescribing of these medications. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized clinical trial (intention to treat) conducted in 2019-2021 of patients and their practitioners (prescribers and primary care managers) in the National Capital Region of the Military Health System. Participants were 2237 patients who were recently coprescribed opioids and benzodiazepines. These patients had 789 practitioners eligible for emails. Interventions Patients were randomized to email alerts to their practitioners or as-usual care. Clinical pharmacists sent the email alert. Messages were standardized and designed to facilitate coordination between practitioners, increase awareness of guidelines, and provide action steps and resources. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were patients’ days received of opioids, benzodiazepines, and concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines during the 90 days following enrollment evaluated using 1-sided hypothesis tests. Secondary outcomes included total prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines by patients’ practitioners, including to patients outside the study, to test for broader outcomes on their prescribing. Results Of 2237 patients, 1187 were assigned to treatment and 1050 to control; 1275 (57%) were women. Patients received a mean (SD) of 31 (44) days of opioids and 33 (34) days of benzodiazepines in the 90 days before enrollment. There were no detected differences in the primary end points, including patients’ receipt of opioids (adjusted difference, 1.1 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 3.0; P = .81), benzodiazepines (adjusted difference, −0.6 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 1.4; P = .30), and opioids and benzodiazepines together (adjusted difference, −0.1 days; 95% CI, -∞ to 0.7; P = .41). Of 789 practitioners, 429 were considered the treatment group, 325 were considered controls, and 35 were excluded. There were no detected differences in practitioners’ total prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines, or both drug classes together. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of pharmacist emails to practitioners, email alerts failed to detectably reduce coprescribing, highlighting the value of alternative approaches. Combining randomization with quality improvement activities may help stakeholders seeking evidence-based interventions to encourage guideline-concordant care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03887247
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sacarny
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Elana Safran
- Office of Evaluation Sciences, US General Services Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Mary Steffel
- D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Orolo D. Abili
- Department of Anesthesia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lobat Mohajeri
- Department of Pharmacy, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patricia T. Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alan Sim
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions Program Management Office, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Robert E. Brutcher
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christopher Spevak
- National Capital Regional Pain Initiative, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
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22
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Rhon DI, Greenlee TA, Carreño PK, Patzkowski JC, Highland KB. Pain Catastrophizing Predicts Opioid and Health-Care Utilization After Orthopaedic Surgery: A Secondary Analysis of Trial Participants with Spine and Lower-Extremity Disorders. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:1447-1454. [PMID: 35700089 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most individuals undergoing elective surgery expect to discontinue opioid use after surgery, but many do not. Modifiable risk factors including psychosocial factors are associated with poor postsurgical outcomes. We wanted to know whether pain catastrophizing is specifically associated with postsurgical opioid and health-care use. METHODS This was a longitudinal cohort study of trial participants undergoing elective spine (lumbar or cervical) or lower-extremity (hip or knee osteoarthritis) surgery between 2015 and 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes were 12-month postsurgical days' supply of opioids and surgery-related health-care utilization, respectively. Self-reported and medical record data included presurgical Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) scores, surgical success expectations, opioid use, and pain interference duration. RESULTS Complete outcomes were analyzed for 240 participants with a median age of 42 years (34% were female, and 56% were active-duty military service members). In the multivariable generalized additive model, greater presurgical days' supply of opioids (F = 17.23, p < 0.001), higher pain catastrophizing (F = 1.89, p = 0.004), spine versus lower-extremity surgery (coefficient estimate = 1.66 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50 to 2.82]; p = 0.005), and female relative to male sex (coefficient estimate = -1.25 [95% CI, -2.38 to -0.12]; p = 0.03) were associated with greater 12-month postsurgical days' supply of opioids. Presurgical opioid days' supply (chi-square = 111.95; p < 0.001), pain catastrophizing (chi-square = 96.06; p < 0.001), and lower extremity surgery (coefficient estimate = -0.17 [95% CI, -0.24 to -0.11]; p < 0.001), in addition to age (chi-square = 344.60; p < 0.001), expected recovery after surgery (chi-square = 54.44; p < 0.001), active-duty status (coefficient estimate = 0.58 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.67]; p < 0.001), and pain interference duration (chi-square = 43.47; p < 0.001) were associated with greater health-care utilization. CONCLUSIONS Greater presurgical days' supply of opioids and pain catastrophizing accounted for greater postsurgical days' supply of opioids and health-care utilization. Consideration of several modifiable factors provides an opportunity to improve postsurgical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Rhon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tina A Greenlee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Patricia K Carreño
- Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeanne C Patzkowski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Krista B Highland
- Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Rockville, Maryland
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23
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Kraemer KL, Althouse AD, Salay M, Gordon AJ, Wright E, Anisman D, Cochran G, Fischer G, Gellad WF, Hamm M, Kern M, Wasan AD. Effect of Different Interventions to Help Primary Care Clinicians Avoid Unsafe Opioid Prescribing in Opioid-Naive Patients With Acute Noncancer Pain: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2022; 3:e222263. [PMID: 35983579 PMCID: PMC9338412 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Prescription opioids can treat acute pain in primary care but have potential for unsafe use and progression to prolonged opioid prescribing. Objective To compare clinician-facing interventions to prevent unsafe opioid prescribing in opioid-naive primary care patients with acute noncancer pain. Design Setting and Participants We conducted a multisite, cluster-randomized, 2 × 2 factorial, clinical trial in 3 health care systems that comprised 48 primary care practices and 525 participating clinicians from September 2018 through January 2021. Patient participants were opioid-naive outpatients, 18 years or older, who presented for a qualifying clinic visit with acute noncancer musculoskeletal pain or nonmigraine headache. Interventions Practices randomized to: (1) control; (2) opioid justification; (3) monthly clinician comparison emails; or (4) opioid justification and clinician comparison. All groups received opioid prescribing guidelines via the electronic health record at the time of a new opioid prescription. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome measures were receipt of an initial opioid prescription at the qualifying clinic visit. Other outcomes were opioid prescribing for more than 3 months and a concurrent opioid/benzodiazepine prescription over 12-month follow-up. Results Among 22 616 enrolled patient participants (9740 women [43.1%]; 64 American Indian/Alaska Native [0.3%]; 590 Asian [2.6%], 1120 Black/African American [5.0%], 1777 Hispanic [7.9%], 225 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [1.0%], and 18 981 White [83.9%] individuals), the initial opioid prescribing rates at the qualifying clinic visit were 3.1% in the total sample, 4.2% in control, 3.6% in opioid justification, 2.6% in clinician comparison, and 1.9% in opioid justification and clinician comparison. Compared with control, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for a new opioid prescription was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.46-1.18; P = .20) for opioid justification and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.38-0.96; P = .03) for clinician comparison. Compared with control, clinician comparison was associated with decreased odds of opioid therapy of more than 3 months (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91; P = .001) and concurrent opioid/benzodiazepine prescription (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72-1.00; P = .04), whereas opioid justification did not have a significant effect. Conclusions and Relevance In this cluster randomized clinical trial, comparison emails decreased the proportion of opioid-naive patients with acute noncancer pain who received an opioid prescription, progressed to treatment with long-term opioid therapy, or were exposed to concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine therapy. Health care systems can consider adding clinician-targeted nudges to other initiatives as an efficient, scalable approach to further decrease potentially unsafe opioid prescribing. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03537573.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Kraemer
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew D Althouse
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melessa Salay
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam J Gordon
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.,VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - David Anisman
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Gerald Cochran
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.,VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Gary Fischer
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Walid F Gellad
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan Hamm
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Ajay D Wasan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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24
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Black AC, Zeliadt SB, Kerns RD, Skanderson M, Wang R, Gelman H, Douglas JH, Becker WC. Association Between Exposure to Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Opioid Analgesic Daily Dose Among Patients on Long-term Opioid Therapy. Clin J Pain 2022; 38:405-409. [PMID: 35440528 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the association between exposure to selected complementary and integrative health (CIH) modalities and the trajectory of prescribed opioid analgesic dose within a national cohort of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using national data from VHA electronic health records between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019, CIH use was analyzed among 57,437 patients receiving LTOT within 18 VHA facilities serving as evaluation sites of VHA's Whole Health System of Care. Using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for covariates, opioid dose was modeled as a function of time, CIH exposure, and their interaction. RESULTS Overall, 11.91% of patients on LTOT used any of the focus CIH therapies; 43.25% of those had 4 or more encounters. Patients used acupuncture, chiropractic care, and meditation modalities primarily. CIH use was associated with being female, Black, having a mental health diagnosis, obesity, pain intensity, and baseline morphine-equivalent daily dose. Mean baseline morphine-equivalent daily dose was 40.81 milligrams and dose decreased on average over time. Controlling for covariates, patients with any CIH exposure experienced 38% faster dose tapering, corresponding to a mean difference in 12-month reduction over patients not engaging in CIH of 2.88 milligrams or 7.06% of the mean starting dose. DISCUSSION Results support the role of CIH modalities in opioid tapering. The study design precludes inference about the causal effects of CIH on tapering. Analyses did not consider the trend in opioid dose before cohort entry nor the use of other nonopioid treatments for pain. Future research should address these questions and consider tapering-associated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Black
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Steven B Zeliadt
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Puget Sound
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - Robert D Kerns
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Jamie H Douglas
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Puget Sound
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - William C Becker
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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25
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Wang H, Cai S, Caprio T, Goulet J, Intrator O. Opioid administration trends among long-stay community living centers residents with dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:2393-2403. [PMID: 35397116 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain assessment and management of Veterans with Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) living in Community Living Centers (CLCs) is challenging. Safe and effective use of opioids in the treatment of pain is of great concern to patients and providers promulgating national policies and guidelines. METHODS This study examined long-stay CLC Veterans with ADRD identified in three regulatory periods (period 1: 10/2012-6/2013, n = 3347; period 2: 1/2014-11/2015, n = 4426; period 3: 1/2017-9/2018, n = 4444; Total N = 12,217).This population-based observational study used CLC Minimum Data Set (MDS) data in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2013-2018 and VA bar-code medication administration (BCMA) data. Opioid administration measures included: any opioids, long-term opioids, high-dose opioids, and co-administration with benzodiazepine. Measures were modeled using negative binomial regression with length of stay in CLC as offset adjusting for Veteran predisposing, enabling and need measures from the MDS. RESULTS Compared to period 1, any opioid administration was 26% lower in period 2, and 34% lower in period 3. Among Veterans who received any opioid medications over the three regulatory periods, high-dose and long-term opioid administration were more than 40% lower in periods 2 and 3 compared to period 1. Co-administration of opioid with benzodiazepine versus no opioid was 11% lower in period 2 and 34% lower in period 3 after adjusting for patient level covariates. CONCLUSIONS All patterns of opioid administration decreased over the four opioid regulations periods when guidelines were promulgated across the VA health system. Further research should clarify whether decreasing opioids among patients with ADRD impacted health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Wang
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Data and Analysis Center (GECDAC), Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York, USA.,Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Shubing Cai
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Data and Analysis Center (GECDAC), Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York, USA.,Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Caprio
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Goulet
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Orna Intrator
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Data and Analysis Center (GECDAC), Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, New York, USA.,Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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26
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Yang S, Orlova Y, Lipe A, Boren M, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Park H, Chang CY, Wilson DL, Adkins L, Lo-Ciganic WH. Trends in the Management of Headache Disorders in US Emergency Departments: Analysis of 2007-2018 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051401. [PMID: 35268492 PMCID: PMC8910868 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined trends in management of headache disorders in United States (US) emergency department (ED) visits. We conducted a cross-sectional study using 2007−2018 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data. We included adult patient visits (≥18 years) with a primary ED discharge diagnosis of headache. We classified headache medications by pharmacological group: opioids, butalbital, ergot alkaloids/triptans, acetaminophen/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiemetics, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids, and intravenous fluids. To obtain reliable estimates, we aggregated data into three time periods: 2007−2010, 2011−2014, and 2015−2018. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined medication, neuroimaging, and outpatient referral trends, separately. Among headache-related ED visits, opioid use decreased from 54.1% in 2007−2010 to 28.3% in 2015−2018 (Ptrend < 0.001). There were statistically significant increasing trends in acetaminophen/NSAIDs, diphenhydramine, and corticosteroids use (all Ptrend < 0.001). Changes in butalbital (6.4%), ergot alkaloid/triptan (4.7%), antiemetic (59.2% in 2015−2018), and neuroimaging (37.3%) use over time were insignificant. Headache-related ED visits with outpatient referral for follow-up increased slightly from 73.3% in 2007−2010 to 79.7% in 2015−2018 (Ptrend = 0.02). Reflecting evidence-based guideline recommendations for headache management, opioid use substantially decreased from 2007 to 2018 among US headache-related ED visits. Future studies are warranted to identify strategies to promote evidence-based treatment for headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, dexamethasone) and appropriate outpatient referral and reduce unnecessary neuroimaging orders in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonkyeong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (H.P.); (C.-Y.C.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Yulia Orlova
- Neurology Department, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Abigale Lipe
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Macy Boren
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Juan M. Hincapie-Castillo
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Haesuk Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (H.P.); (C.-Y.C.); (D.L.W.)
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ching-Yuan Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (H.P.); (C.-Y.C.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Debbie L. Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (H.P.); (C.-Y.C.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Lauren Adkins
- Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (H.P.); (C.-Y.C.); (D.L.W.)
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-352-273-6255
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27
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Encinosa W, Bernard D, Selden TM. Opioid and non-opioid analgesic prescribing before and after the CDC's 2016 opioid guideline. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 22:1-52. [PMID: 33963977 PMCID: PMC8105705 DOI: 10.1007/s10754-021-09307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. has addressed the opioid crisis using a two-front approach: state regulations limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain patients, and voluntary federal CDC guidelines on shifting chronic pain patients to lower opioid doses and non-opioids. No opioid policy research to date has accounted for this two-pronged approach in their research design. We develop a theory of physician prescribing behavior under this two-pronged incentive structure. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we empirically corroborate the theory: regulations and guidelines have the intended effects of reducing opioid prescriptions for acute and chronic pain, respectively, as well as the predicted unintended effects-income effects cause regulations on acute pain treatment to increase chronic pain opioid prescriptions and the chronic pain treatment guidelines spillover to reduce opioids for acute pain. Moreover, we find that the guidelines worked as intended in terms of the reduced usage, with chronic pain patients shifting to non-opioids and also tapering opioid doses. For those who discontinued opioids under regulations and guidelines, we find no harm in terms of increased work limitations due to pain a year after discontinuing opioids. Finally, we observe an unexplained dichotomy-regulations reduce opioid use by causing fewer new starts, whereas guidelines reduce opioid use by discontinuing current users, with no impact on new starts.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Encinosa
- Division of Research and Modeling, Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Didem Bernard
- Division of Research and Modeling, Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Thomas M. Selden
- Division of Research and Modeling, Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Rockville, MD USA
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Salz T, Mishra A, Gennarelli RL, Lipitz-Snyderman A, Moryl N, Tringale KR, Boudreau DM, Kriplani A, Jinna S, Korenstein D. Safety of opioid prescribing among older cancer survivors. Cancer 2022; 128:570-578. [PMID: 34633662 PMCID: PMC9377378 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors receive more long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) than people without cancer, but the safety of LTOT prescribing is unknown. METHODS Opioid-naive adults aged ≥66 years who had been diagnosed in 2008-2015 with breast, lung, head and neck, or colorectal cancer were identified with data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries linked with Medicare claims. Survivors with 1 or more LTOT episodes (≥90 consecutive days) occurring ≥1 year after their cancer diagnosis and before censoring at hospice entry, another cancer diagnosis, 6 months before death, or December 2016 were included. The safety of prescribing during the first 90 days of the first LTOT episode was measured during follow-up. As a positive safety indicator, the proportion of survivors with concurrent nonopioid pain management was measured. Indicators of less safe prescribing were the proportion of survivors with a high average daily opioid dose (≥90 morphine milligram equivalents) and the proportion of survivors with concurrent benzodiazepine dispensing. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify clinical predictors of each safety outcome. RESULTS In all, 3628 cancer survivors received LTOT during follow-up (median duration, 4.9 months; interquartile range, 3.5-8.0 months). Seventy-two percent of the survivors received multimodal pain management concurrently with LTOT. Eight percent of the survivors had high-dose opioid prescriptions; 25% of the survivors received benzodiazepines during LTOT. Multivariable analyses identified variations in safety measures by multiple clinical factors, although none were consistently significant across outcomes. CONCLUSIONS To improve safe LTOT prescribing for survivors, efforts should focus on increasing multimodal pain management and reducing inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing. Different clinical predictors of each outcome suggest different drivers of safe prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talya Salz
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
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Sellinger JJ, Martino S, Lazar C, Mattocks K, Rando K, Serowik K, Ablondi K, Fenton B, Gilstad-Hayden K, Brummett B, Holtzheimer PE, Higgins D, Reznik TE, Semiatin AM, Stapley T, Ngo T, Rosen MI. The acceptability and feasibility of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for pain management among new England veterans with chronic pain: A pilot study. Pain Pract 2022; 22:28-38. [PMID: 33934499 PMCID: PMC9084457 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Musculoskeletal disorders often lead to chronic pain in Veterans. Chronic pain puts sufferers at risk for substance misuse, and early intervention is needed for both conditions. This pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Pain Management intervention (SBIRT-PM) to help engage Veterans seeking disability compensation for painful musculoskeletal disorders in multimodal pain treatment and to reduce risky substance use, when indicated. METHODS This pilot study enrolled 40 Veterans from 8 medical centers across New England in up to 4 sessions of telephone-based counseling using a motivational interviewing framework. Counseling provided education about, and facilitated engagement in, multimodal pain treatments. Study eligibility required Veterans be engaged in no more than 2 Veteran Affairs (VA) pain treatment modalities, and study participation involved a 12-week postassessment and semistructured interview about the counseling process. RESULTS Majorities of enrolled Veterans screened positive for comorbid depression and problematic substance use. Regarding the offered counseling, 80% of participants engaged in at least one session, with a mean of 3 sessions completed. Ninety percent of participants completed the postassessment. Numerically, most measures improved slightly from baseline to week 12. In semistructured interviews, participants described satisfaction with learning about new pain care services, obtaining assistance connecting to services, and receiving support from their counselors. DISCUSSION It was feasible to deliver SBIRT-PM to Veterans across New England to promote engagement in multimodal pain treatment and to track study outcomes over 12 weeks. Preliminary results suggest SBIRT-PM was well-received and has promise for the targeted outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Sellinger
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Steve Martino
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christina Lazar
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth Rando
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kristin Serowik
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Karen Ablondi
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brenda Fenton
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Bradley Brummett
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul E Holtzheimer
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
- Dartmouth School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Diana Higgins
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas E Reznik
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | - Tu Ngo
- Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc I Rosen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Bedford T, Kisaalita N, Haycock NR, Mullins CD, Wright T, Curatolo M, Hamlin L, Colloca L. Attitudes Toward a Pre-authorized Concealed Opioid Taper: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient and Clinician Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:820357. [PMID: 35401245 PMCID: PMC8987573 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.820357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard opioid tapers tend to be associated with increased patient anxiety and higher pain ratings. Pre-authorized concealed opioid reductions may minimize expectations such as fear of increased pain due to the reduction of opioids and, prolong analgesic benefits in experimental settings. We recently observed that patients and clinicians are open to concealed opioid tapering. However, little is known about the "why" behind their attitudes. Based on this lack of data, we analyzed qualitative responses to survey questions on patients' and clinicians' acceptance of a concealed opioid reduction for chronic pain. Seventy-four patients with a history of high dose opioid therapy and 49 clinicians completed a web-based questionnaire with open-ended questions examining responses to two hypothetical clinical trials comparing a concealed opioid reduction pre-authorized by patients vs. standard tapering. We used content analysis based on qualitative descriptive methodology to analyze comments from the patients and clinicians. Five themes were identified: informed consent; anxiety; safety; support; and ignorance is bliss, or not. These themes highlight the overall positive attitudes toward concealed opioid tapers. Our findings reinforce the importance of patient-centered care and are expected to inform the design of clinical trials from both the patient and clinician perspective. This qualitative study presents patients' and clinicians' attitudes toward hypothetical scenarios for a trial of pre-authorized reduction of opioids. The findings indicate positive attitudes and the relevance of engaging patients with effective decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bedford
- 711 Human Performance Wing, En Route Care, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH, United States
| | - Nkaku Kisaalita
- Mental Health Service Line, Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Nathaniel R Haycock
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - C Daniel Mullins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thelma Wright
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lynette Hamlin
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Graduate School of Nursing, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wiens M, Jarrett D, Settimi A, White C, Hollingham Z, Packham T. Role of Rehabilitation in Opioid Tapering: A Scoping Review. Physiother Can 2022; 74:75-85. [PMID: 35185251 PMCID: PMC8816366 DOI: 10.3138/ptc-2020-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Among industrialized countries, Canada has the second-highest opioid prescribing rate for pain management. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions are potential non-pharmacological alternatives. We undertook a scoping review to explore and summarize the current evidence describing the interventions included or used in physiotherapy and occupational therapy in opioid tapering for individuals with chronic pain. Method: A systematic search of the peer-reviewed health databases was conducted, with data synthesis guided by Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. Articles were included in the narrative synthesis if (1) interventions within the scope of practice for physiotherapists or occupational therapists were described or these professionals were part of interdisciplinary care and (2) opioid tapering or reduction was addressed. Results: The 39 articles identified included 2 systematic reviews, 9 narrative reviews or commentaries, 2 case reports, 11 uncontrolled cohort studies, 1 cross-sectional study, 5 randomized controlled trials, 4 programme evaluations, and 4 qualitative studies. Of the 28 studies reporting specific outcomes, 25 reported positive outcomes of rehabilitation interventions for opioid tapering. There was greater representation of interventions from physiotherapy than from occupational therapy: few articles contained substantive descriptions (e.g., dosage and duration). Conclusions: The evidence to guide therapists in supporting opioid tapering for people with chronic pain seems to be limited. Further research is needed to establish effectiveness for stand-alone interventions and as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Wiens
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Devon Jarrett
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alissa Settimi
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney White
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary Hollingham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Packham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Rhon DI, Greenlee TA, Gill NW, Carlson AE, Hart AM, Larsen TH, McLelland A, Mayhew RJ, McCafferty RR, Koppenhaver SL. Does Engaging Patients with Relevant Education About Long-Term Opioid Use Before Spine Surgery Affect Long-term Opioid Use? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2022; 47:5-12. [PMID: 34341321 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Parallel-arm randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of an enhanced video education session highlighting risks of opioid utilization on longterm opioid utilization after spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Long-term opioid use occurs in more than half of patients undergoing spine surgery and strategies to reduce this use are needed. METHODS Patients undergoing spine surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center between July 2015 and February 2017 were recruited at their preoperative appointment, receiving the singlesession interactive video education or control at that same appointment. Opioid utilization was tracked for the full year after surgery from the Pharmacy Data Transaction Service of the Military Health System Data Repository. Self-reported pain also collected weekly for 1 and at 6months. RESULTS A total of 120 participants (40 women, 33.3%) with a mean age of 45.9 ± 10.6 years were randomized 1:1 to the enhanced education and usual care control (60 per group). In the year following surgery the cohort had a mean 5.1 (standard deviation [SD] 5.9) unique prescription fills, mean total days' supply was 88.3 (SD 134.9), and mean cumulative morphine milligrams equivalents per participant was 4193.0 (SD 12,187.9) within the year after surgery, with no significant differences in any opioid use measures between groups. Twelve individuals in the standard care group and 13 in the enhanced education group were classified with having long-term opioid utilization. CONCLUSION The video education session did not influence opioid use after spine surgery compared to the usual care control. There was no significant difference in individuals classified as long-term opioid users after surgery based on the intervention group. Prior opioid use was a strong predictor of future opioid use in this cohort. Strategies to improve education engagement, understanding, and decision- making continue to be of high importance for mitigating risk of long-term opioid use after spine surgery.Level of Evidence: 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Rhon
- Brooke Army Medical Center, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | | | - Norman W Gill
- Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center & School, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Andrew E Carlson
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Allison M Hart
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Trent H Larsen
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Alex McLelland
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
| | - Rachel J Mayhew
- US Army-Baylor Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
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Randall DJ, Vanood A, Jee Y, Moore DD. National and State Level Opioid-Restricting Legislation in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. J Arthroplasty 2022; 37:176-185. [PMID: 34456092 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic is a health crisis in the United States. Within orthopedic surgery, opioid misuse and incautious prescription remains a concern. In the last several years, there has been a growing interest and public effort toward reducing opioid use in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in response to the opioid epidemic in the United States. We aim to review opioid-limiting practices, policies, and legislations that are implemented at the state level and nationally that are relevant to TJA, as well as evaluate studies that measure the efficacy of these policies in the management of patients undergoing TJA. METHODS Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic review of national and state level opioid-limiting policies implemented in the United States and their effects on opioid prescription, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). RESULTS We identified 3 national bills and 9 policies set forth by national organizations that imposed limits on opioid prescription. Opioid-reducing legislation was also identified in 24 states, with the majority specifying a 7-day limit on initial opioid prescription for acute pain management. Six research studies evaluating the impact of opioid-restricting policies on postoperative opioid prescription for TJA patients were found. Three studies assessed legislation at the state level while the others were institution-based guidelines. Overall, these studies demonstrated a significant decrease in mean morphine milligram equivalents of initial opioid prescription after implementing the policies. CONCLUSION Recent opioid-restricting legislation is effective in decreasing postoperative opioid prescriptions following TJA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Randall
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
| | - Aimen Vanood
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Young Jee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI
| | - Drew D Moore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI
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Clark Donat LE, Reynolds J, Bublitz MH, Flynn E, Friedman L, Fox SD. The effects of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on pain perceptions in patients with chronic pelvic pain: A case series. Case Rep Womens Health 2022; 33:e00380. [PMID: 35059306 PMCID: PMC8760341 DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2021.e00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pelvic pain affects 15–20% of women, and patients frequently do not find relief with first-line therapies. Mindfulness-based meditation programs are effective in improving outcomes for patients with chronic pain conditions, but limited data exists for patients with chronic pelvic pain. We describe the effect of a brief mindfulness-based program, incorporated into pelvic-floor physical therapy visits, on perceived pain in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Case series Patients being treated for pelvic pain participated in this 8-week program. Pelvic-floor physical therapists delivered a brief mindfulness-based exercise during routine physical therapy visits. Patients reported pain scores and pain catastrophizing scores at the beginning and end of the program. Ten patients completed the program. Paired-samples t-tests showed that pain catastrophizing significantly decreased from baseline to 8 weeks in patients who completed the mindfulness training and increased among patients who withdrew. Conclusion Mindfulness-based exercises may be a useful complementary therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Non-narcotic options to treat chronic pelvic pain need to be expanded. Mindfulness-based programs are effective in treating chronic pain. Patients with chronic pelvic pain may benefit from a brief mindfulness intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E. Clark Donat
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Surgery, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, United States
- Corresponding author at: 148 West River Street, 1st Floor Suite 8, Providence, RI 02904, United States.
| | - Jennifer Reynolds
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
| | - Margaret H. Bublitz
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Ellen Flynn
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Lauri Friedman
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
| | - Sarah D. Fox
- Women's Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, 146 W River St., Providence, RI 02904, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Surgery, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, United States
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Percy ED, Hirji S, Leung N, Harloff M, Newell P, Cherkasky O, McGurk S, Yazdchi F, Cook R, Pelletier M, Kaneko T. Postdischarge Pain and Opioid Use After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 115:1526-1532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Juba KM, Triller D, Myrka A, Cleary JH, Winans A, Wahler RG, Argoff C, Meek PD. Pain
management‐related
assessment and communication across the care continuum: Consensus of the opioid task force of the island peer review organization pain management coalition. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Juba
- Department of Pharmacy Practice St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy Rochester New York USA
| | - Darren Triller
- Department of Quality Improvement Island Peer Review Organization Albany New York USA
| | - Anne Myrka
- Department of Quality Improvement Island Peer Review Organization Albany New York USA
| | - Jacqueline H. Cleary
- Department of Pharmacy Practice Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany New York USA
| | - Amanda Winans
- Bassett Healthcare Network Bassett Medical Center Cooperstown New York USA
| | - Robert G. Wahler
- Department of Pharmacy Practice University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Buffalo New York USA
| | - Charles Argoff
- Department of Neurology Albany Medical College Albany New York USA
- Comprehensive Pain Center, Albany Medical Center Albany New York USA
| | - Patrick D. Meek
- Department of Pharmacy Practice Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany New York USA
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Risk Factors Associated With the Prescription of Opioids Among Service Members Following a First Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:345-353. [PMID: 34489385 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors impacting opioid receipt among active-duty service members (SMs) following a first mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). SETTING Active-duty SMs receiving care within the Military Health System. PARTICIPANTS In total, 14 757 SMs who have sustained an initial mTBI, as documented within electronic health records (EHRs), between 2016 and 2017. DESIGN A retrospective analysis of EHR metadata. MAIN MEASURES Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors impacting opioid receipt and initiation. Factors include demographics, military characteristics, and preexisting clinical conditions, including prior opioid prescription. RESULTS Of the sample population, 33.4% (n = 4927) were prescribed opioids after their initial mTBI, of which, 60.6% (n = 2985) received opioids for the first time following injury. Significant risk factors associated with the increased probability of opioid receipt included age, gender, and preexisting behavioral health and musculoskeletal conditions. Military characteristics also exhibited changes in the probability of opioid receipt, both among initiation and new prescription. No changes were observed among race, nor among those with preexisting headaches or migraines. CONCLUSION Despite concerns about the negative impact on recovery, the prescribing of opioids is common in this population of active-duty SMs first diagnosed with an mTBI. As several demographic and preexisting health conditions are factors in the receipt of opioids post-mTBI, the entire medical history of these patients should be considered prior to prescription. Understanding these factors may further inform policy for opioid use in the Military Health System.
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Kumar RG, Ornstein KA, Corrigan JD, Sayko Adams R, Dams-O'Connor K. Association between Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury, Prescription Opioid Use, and Persistent Pain: A Nationally Representative Study. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2284-2290. [PMID: 33567980 PMCID: PMC8672103 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is common among adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet little data exist regarding prevalence of opioid use in this population. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between lifetime TBI exposure, opioid use, and pain in a nationally representative sample of 1022 adults aged 50+ who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Our primary exposure was lifetime TBI history measured via the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. We evaluated three alternate TBI exposures (years since most recent TBI, age at first TBI, and number of lifetime TBIs) in sensitivity analyses. We evaluated two outcomes: recent opioid medication use, and moderate-to-severe pain measured over two HRS waves. We classified three pain groups (persistent, intermittent, and no pain). Prevalences of opioid use among individuals with and without TBI were 19.7% and 13.6%, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, individuals with TBI had a 52% increased risk for opioid use compared with individuals without TBI (relative risk = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 2.04). Individuals with recent TBI (1-10 years ago), first TBI after age 40+, and 2+ lifetime TBIs had greatest risk for opioid use. Compared with individuals without TBI, individuals with TBI had 4.9-times increased odds for persistent versus no pain, and 1.9-times increased odds of intermittent versus no pain. Persistent pain among adults with lifetime TBI is elevated compared with the general population, which may contribute to increased opioid use among persons with TBI, particularly those with recent injuries or multiple lifetime TBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj G. Kumar
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katherine A. Ornstein
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - John D. Corrigan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rachel Sayko Adams
- Heller School, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Dalton MK, Manful A, Jarman MP, Pisano AJ, Learn PA, Koehlmoos TP, Weissman JS, Cooper Z, Schoenfeld AJ. Long-term prescription opioid use among US military service members injured in combat. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021; 91:S213-S220. [PMID: 34324474 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the Global War on Terrorism, many US Military service members sustained injuries with potentially long-lasting functional limitations and chronic pain. We sought to understand the patterns of prescription opioid use among service members injured in combat. METHODS We queried the Military Health System Data Repository to identify service members injured in combat between 2007 and 2011. Sociodemographics, injury characteristics, treatment information, and costs of care were abstracted for all eligible patients. We surveyed for prescription opioid utilization subsequent to hospital discharge and through 2018. Negative binomial regression was used to identify factors associated with cumulative prescription opioid use. RESULTS We identified 3,981 service members with combat-related injuries presenting during the study period. The median age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR], 22-29 years), 98.5% were male, and the median follow-up was 3.3 years. During the study period, 98% (n = 3,910) of patients were prescribed opioids at least once and were prescribed opioids for a median of 29 days (IQR, 9-85 days) per patient-year of follow-up. While nearly all patients (96%; n = 3,157) discontinued use within 6 months, 91% (n = 2,882) were prescribed opioids again after initially discontinuing opioids. Following regression analysis, patients with preinjury opioid exposure, more severe injuries, blast injuries, and enlisted rank had higher cumulative opioid use. Patients who discontinued opioids within 6 months had an unadjusted median total health care cost of US $97,800 (IQR, US $42,364-237,135) compared with US $230,524 (IQR, US $134,387-370,102) among those who did not discontinue opioids within 6 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Nearly all service members injured in combat were prescribed opioids during treatment, and the vast majority experienced multiple episodes of prescription opioid use. Only 4% of the population met the criteria for sustained prescription opioid use at 6 months following discharge. Early discontinuation may not translate to long-term opioid cessation in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiology study, level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Dalton
- From the Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery (M.K.D., A.M., M.P.J., J.S.W., Z.C., A.J.S.) and Department of Orthopedic Surgery (A.J.P., A.J.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery (P.A.L.) and Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics (T.P.K.), F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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Kato T, Kadota M, Shimoda S. Effects of Coping Flexibility in Young Women on Depressive Symptoms during Chronic Pain. Behav Med 2021; 47:185-193. [PMID: 31886738 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2019.1708250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a worldwide problem that has a high prevalence rate and is often comorbid with depression. Coping flexibility, which is defined as the ability to discontinue an ineffective coping strategy-evaluation coping-and to produce and implement an alternative strategy-adaptive coping-has attracted much interest as an important factor that attenuates pain-induced stress responses, including depression. This study hypothesized that greater coping flexibility would be associated with lower depression in both women with chronic pain and those with menstrual pain. The participants included women with chronic pain (n = 292) and those with menstrual pain (n = 181) who completed questionnaires on pain intensity, pain acceptance, psychological inflexibility, and coping flexibility for chronic pain. The hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that both evaluation coping and adaptive coping predicted depression even after controlling for the effects of pain intensity, pain acceptance, and psychological inflexibility, which are well-known for their association with depression in patients with chronic pain. The hypothesis was supported in our samples. Our findings may contribute to the development of self-management without self-medication using over-the-counter analgesics by acquiring coping flexibility for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Kato
- Department of Social Psychology, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masako Kadota
- Faculty of Health and Welfare, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurasiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
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Gray BM, Vandergrift JL, Weng W, Lipner RS, Barnett ML. Clinical Knowledge and Trends in Physicians' Prescribing of Opioids for New Onset Back Pain, 2009-2017. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2115328. [PMID: 34196714 PMCID: PMC8251502 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.15328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Opioid musculoskeletal pain overprescribing was widespread in the mid-2000s. The degree to which prescribing changed as awareness of the danger grew among physicians with different levels of clinical knowledge remains unstudied. Objective To compare the association of clinical knowledge with opioid prescribing from 2009 to 2011 when prescribing peaked nationally with 2015 to 2017 when guidelines shifted away from opioid prescribing. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study included 10 246 midcareer general internal medicine physicians in the United States who saw patients who were Medicare beneficiaries with Part D enrollment from 2009 to 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Any opioid prescription and high dosage or long duration (HDLD) (>7 days or >50 daily morphine milligram equivalents) opioid prescriptions filled within 7 days of applicable visits for new low back pain concerns. Associations between opioid prescribing for new low back pain concerns during outpatient visits and clinical knowledge measured by prior year American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification examination performance were estimated using serial cross-sectional logit regressions. Regression covariates included yearly examination quartile (ie, knowledge quartile) interacted with 3-year group dummies (ie, early: 2009-2011; middle: 2012-2014; late: 2015-2017), state and year dummies, physician, practice, patient characteristics, and state opioid regulations. Results Of the 55 387 low back pain visits included in this study, 37 185 (67.1%) were visits with female patients, 41 978 (75.8%) were with White patients, and the mean (SE) age of patients was 76.2 (<0.01) years. The rate of opioid prescribing was 21.6% (11 978) for any opioid prescription and 17.6% (9759) for HDLD prescriptions. From 2009 to 2011, visits with physicians in the highest and lowest knowledge quartiles had similar adjusted opioid prescribing rates with a 0.5 (95% CI, -1.9 to 3.0) percentage point difference. By 2015 to 2017, visits with physicians in the highest knowledge quartile prescribed opioids less frequently that physicians in the lowest knowledge quartile (4.6 percentage point difference; 95% CI, -7.5 to -1.8 percentage points). Visits in which HDLD opioids were prescribed showed no difference in the early period but showed a difference in the late period when comparing physicians in the highest and lowest knowledge quartiles (early period: difference -0.1; 95% CI, -2.4 to 2.2 percentage points; late period difference: 4.8; 95% CI, -7.4 to -2.1 percentage points). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, when the standard of care shifted away from routine opioid prescribing, physicians who performed well on an ABIM examination were less likely to prescribe opioids for back pain than physicians who performed less well on the examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M. Gray
- American Board of Internal Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Weifeng Weng
- American Board of Internal Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Colloca L, Kisaalita NR, Bizien M, Medeiros M, Sandbrink F, Mullins CD. Veteran engagement in opioid tapering research: a mission to optimize pain management. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e932. [PMID: 34104838 PMCID: PMC8177869 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Departments of Pain and Translational Symptom Science
- Anesthesiology, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nkaku R. Kisaalita
- Mental Health Service Line, Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Marcel Bizien
- Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program, Clinical Research Pharmacy, Coordinating Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michelle Medeiros
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Friedhelm Sandbrink
- Department of Neurology, Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - C. Daniel Mullins
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Jaskiewicz JL, Garry CB, Ernst AJ, Cole JH, Allen ML, Fox CC, Gendron RT, Gentry SL, Hughey SB, Stedje-Larsen ET. Impact of a Multidisciplinary Long-Term Opioid Therapy Safety Program at a Military Tertiary Academic Medical Center. Mil Med 2021; 187:22-27. [PMID: 34179995 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) created the Long-Term Opioid Therapy Safety (LOTS) program to reduce risks and improve long-term opioid therapy outcomes. Our primary outcome was change in compliance with the recommended safety metrics. DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study performed at NMCP, a large military academic medical center providing comprehensive medical care to DoD beneficiaries. The NMCP LOTS program provides both patient and provider narcotic education as well as medical record auditing. The NMCP LOTS program promotes adherence to published CDC, the DVA, and DoD guidelines. METHODS Anonymized data were compiled each fiscal quarter and were analyzed retrospectively. Adult patients prescribed opioids for at least 90 days without a gap of 30 days between prescriptions were included in this study. The investigators recorded and reported provider compliance with LOTS metrics over the same period. RESULTS Compliance with the recommended safety metrics improved. We noted a decrease in the number of long-term opioid patients, concurrent benzodiazepine prescriptions, and patients prescribed greater than 90 morphine equivalents per day during the observation period. The number of naloxone prescriptions for LOTS patients also increased, reflecting improved guideline adherence. CONCLUSION Systematic education and feedback to providers are effective in creating a system and culture of opioid reduction, safe opioid prescribing, and system accountability. This article presents a comprehensive approach to modifying prescribing patterns of long-term opioids in a large healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Conor B Garry
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Andrew J Ernst
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Jacob H Cole
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.,Naval Biotechnology Group, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shari L Gentry
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Scott B Hughey
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.,Naval Biotechnology Group, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Eric T Stedje-Larsen
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.,Naval Biotechnology Group, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
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Jolly T, Mansuri Z, Trivedi C, Adnan M, Cohen SP, Vu TN. Are Psychotropic Medications Effective in Chronic Pain Management in Children and Adolescents? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1915-1924. [PMID: 34194243 PMCID: PMC8238552 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s310381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Data defining and subsequently guiding the use of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents is sparse. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized control trials to examine the effectiveness of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents with chronic pain. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search from published studies, and annual scientific sessions of psychiatry conferences. We identified double-blind, randomized control trials (RCTs) in which psychotropic medications were compared to placebo. Data was collected for the total number of patients, baseline characteristics, and changes in pain score. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model evaluating average change in pain score and the number of patients with a reduction in pain score for both groups. Pooled data are expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results We found 5 studies that included amitriptyline (n=2), citalopram (n=1), buspirone (n=1) and duloxetine (n=1). In the pooled analysis for the difference in the average change in pain score, 4 RCTs with 395 patients were included. After 12–13 weeks of therapy, reductions in pain score were significantly greater in the psychotropic drug group as compared to placebo (SMD: −0.77, 95% CI −1.54, 0.0001, p= 0.05). For the analysis on the number of patients with a reduction in pain, data were available for 445 patients (224-medication group, 221-placebo group). More patients in the psychotropic drug group experienced a meaningful reduction in pain score at 12–13 weeks of therapy compared to placebo (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.08–2.54, p= 0.02). Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate significant analgesic efficacy of psychotropic medications in the management of children with chronic pain. This review is limited by the small number of studies included for analysis. There is a pressing need for more robust clinical trials to further investigate these promising findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taranjeet Jolly
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Zeeshan Mansuri
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Psychiatry Department, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mahwish Adnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Lincolnwood, IL, USA
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care medicine, Neurology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - To-Nhu Vu
- Department of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Mattocks KM, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Kinney R, Elwy AR, Cunningham KJ, Mengeling MA. Understanding VA's Use of and Relationships With Community Care Providers Under the MISSION Act. Med Care 2021; 59:S252-S258. [PMID: 33976074 PMCID: PMC8132889 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congress has enacted 2 major pieces of legislation to improve access to care for Veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a result, the VA has undergone a major transformation in the way that care is delivered to Veterans with an increased reliance on community-based provider networks. No studies have examined the relationship between VA and contracted community providers. This study examines VA facility directors' perspectives on their successes and challenges building relationships with community providers within the VA Community Care Network (CCN). OBJECTIVES To understand who VA facilities partner with for community care, highlight areas of greatest need for partnerships in various regions, and identify challenges of working with community providers in the new CCN contract. RESEARCH DESIGN We conducted a national survey with VA facility directors to explore needs, challenges, and expectations with the CCN. RESULTS The most common care referred to community providers included physical therapy, chiropractic, orthopedic, ophthalmology, and acupuncture. Open-ended responses focused on 3 topics: (1) Challenges in working with community providers, (2) Strategies to maintain strong relationships with community providers, and (3) Re-engagement with community providers who no longer provide care for Veterans. CONCLUSIONS VA faces challenges engaging with community providers given problems with timely reimbursement of community providers, low (Medicare) reimbursement rates, and confusing VA rules related to prior authorizations and bundled services. It will be critical to identify strategies to successfully initiate and sustain relationships with community providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Mattocks
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Rebecca Kinney
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Anashua R. Elwy
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | | | - Michelle A. Mengeling
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
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Fritz JM, Davis AF, Burgess DJ, Coleman B, Cook C, Farrokhi S, Goertz C, Heapy A, Lisi AJ, McGeary DD, Rhon DI, Taylor SL, Zeliadt S, Kerns RD. Pivoting to virtual delivery for managing chronic pain with nonpharmacological treatments: implications for pragmatic research. Pain 2021; 162:1591-1596. [PMID: 33156148 PMCID: PMC8089114 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Fritz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Alison F Davis
- Pain Management Collaboratory, Department of Psychiatry (dept. affiliation for Dr. Davis) Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Diana J Burgess
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States. Dr. Burgess is now with Department of Medicine (dept. affiliation for Dr. Burgess) University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Brian Coleman
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Pain Management Collaboratory Coordinating Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Chad Cook
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shawn Farrokhi
- DoD-VA Extremity and Amputation Center of Excellence, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Christine Goertz
- Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University School of Medicine, and Core Faculty Member, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alicia Heapy
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States. Dr. Heapy is now with VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, West Haven/Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anthony J Lisi
- Department of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Research Scientist, Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Donald D McGeary
- Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Psychiatry (Dept. affiliation for Dr. McGeary) University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Daniel I Rhon
- Brooke Army Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stephanie L Taylor
- VA HSR&D, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States. Dr. McGeary is now with Departments of Medicine and Health Policy and Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven Zeliadt
- Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States. Dr. Kerns is now with VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, West Haven, CT, United States
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Cohen SP, Vase L, Hooten WM. Chronic pain: an update on burden, best practices, and new advances. Lancet 2021; 397:2082-2097. [PMID: 34062143 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 881] [Impact Index Per Article: 293.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain exerts an enormous personal and economic burden, affecting more than 30% of people worldwide according to some studies. Unlike acute pain, which carries survival value, chronic pain might be best considered to be a disease, with treatment (eg, to be active despite the pain) and psychological (eg, pain acceptance and optimism as goals) implications. Pain can be categorised as nociceptive (from tissue injury), neuropathic (from nerve injury), or nociplastic (from a sensitised nervous system), all of which affect work-up and treatment decisions at every level; however, in practice there is considerable overlap in the different types of pain mechanisms within and between patients, so many experts consider pain classification as a continuum. The biopsychosocial model of pain presents physical symptoms as the denouement of a dynamic interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. Although it is widely known that pain can cause psychological distress and sleep problems, many medical practitioners do not realise that these associations are bidirectional. While predisposing factors and consequences of chronic pain are well known, the flipside is that factors promoting resilience, such as emotional support systems and good health, can promote healing and reduce pain chronification. Quality of life indicators and neuroplastic changes might also be reversible with adequate pain management. Clinical trials and guidelines typically recommend a personalised multimodal, interdisciplinary treatment approach, which might include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, integrative treatments, and invasive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lene Vase
- Neuroscientific Division, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Fraifeld EM, Hatheway JA, Ricker CN. Systemic Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Total Cost of Care in Patients Initiating Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:784-799. [PMID: 33543759 PMCID: PMC8058769 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated patterns of systemic opioid use among patients initiating spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic pain. This study evaluated systemic opioid discontinuation and/or dose reduction and total health care cost after the start of spinal cord stimulation therapy. METHODS Using a commercial insurance claims database (2008-2017), we analyzed opioid utilization patterns in patients initiating spinal cord stimulation therapy over a 1-year baseline and 2-year follow-up. The primary end point was defined as either discontinuation (≥365-day gap between prescription fills or total days' supply in follow-up ≤30 days) or ≥50% reduction in average daily morphine milligram equivalent dose. "Costs" were defined as total payer plus patient out-of-pocket payments. RESULTS A total of 5,878 patients met the selection criteria. Of these, 152 (2.6%) showed no opioid prescription data at any point in the study period. Among patients with one or more prescriptions, 42.0% met the primary end point (22.0% discontinued, and 20.0% reduced their dose by 50% or more). Mean total adjusted costs were significantly reduced in years 1 and 2 of follow-up relative to baseline (excluding device insertion costs). The average time to breakeven when accounting for device trial and permanent insertion cost was 3.1 years among those who met the composite end point and 4.2 years among those who did not. CONCLUSIONS This analysis shows that among patients who continued spinal cord stimulation therapy for at least 2 years, a significant proportion were able to reduce and/or discontinue systemic opioid use, with costs after the start of therapy significantly reduced relative to baseline.
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Rittel AG, Highland KB, Maneval MS, Bockhorst AD, Moreno A, Sim A, Easter PS, Nichols CE, Costantino RC. Development, implementation, and evaluation of a clinical decision support tool to improve naloxone coprescription within military health system pharmacies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 79:e58-e64. [PMID: 33987648 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE To describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pharmacy clinical decision support tool designed to increase naloxone coprescription among people at risk for opioid overdose in a large healthcare system. SUMMARY The Military Health System Opioid Registry and underlying presentation layer were used to develop a clinical decision support capability to improve naloxone coprescription at the pharmacy point of care. Pharmacy personnel use a patient identification card barcode scanner or manually enter a patient's identification number to quickly visualize information on a patient's risk for opioid overdose and medical history related to pain and, when appropriate, receive a recommendation to coprescribe naloxone. The tool was made available to military treatment facility pharmacy locations. An interactive dashboard was developed to support monitoring, utilization, and impact on naloxone coprescription to patients at risk for opioid overdose. CONCLUSION Initial implementation of the naloxone tool was slow from a lack of end-user awareness. Efforts to increase utilization were, in part, successful owing to a number of enterprise-wide educational initiatives. In early 2020, the naloxone tool was used in 15% of all opioid prescriptions dispensed at a military pharmacy. Data indicate that the frequency of naloxone coprescription to patients at risk for opioid overdose was significantly higher when the naloxone tool was used than when the tool was not used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Rittel
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), San Antonio, TX,USA
| | - Krista B Highland
- Defense & Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management, and Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD,USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Archie D Bockhorst
- Analytics & Evaluation Division, Strategy, Planning, and Functional Integration (J-5) Defense Health Agency, San Antonio, TX,USA
| | - Agustin Moreno
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), San Antonio, TX,USA
| | - Alan Sim
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), Rosslyn, VA,USA
| | - Peter S Easter
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), San Antonio, TX,USA
| | - Chris E Nichols
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), Rosslyn, VA,USA
| | - Ryan C Costantino
- Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program office, Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), San Antonio, TX,USA
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Trends in opioid prescribing practices in South Korea, 2009-2019: Are we safe from an opioid epidemic? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250972. [PMID: 33979378 PMCID: PMC8115784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid prescribing data can guide regulation policy by informing trends and types of opioids prescribed and geographic variations. In South Korea, the nationwide data on prescribing opioids remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate an 11-year trend of opioid prescription in South Korea, both nationally and by administrative districts. A population-based cross-sectional analysis of opioid prescriptions dispensed nationwide in outpatient departments between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, was conducted for this study. Data were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. The types of opioids prescribed were categorized into total, strong, and extended-release and long-acting formulation. Trends in the prescription rate per 1000 persons were examined over time nationally and across administrative districts. There are significant increasing trends for total, strong, and extended-release and long-acting opioid prescriptions (rate per 1000 persons in 2009 and 2019: total opioids, 347.5 and 531.3; strong opioids, 0.6 and 15.2; extended-release and long-acting opioids, 6.8 and 82.0). The pattern of dispensing opioids increased from 2009 to 2013 and slowed down from 2013 to 2019. The rate of opioid prescriptions issued between administrative districts nearly doubled for all types of opioids. Prescription opioid dispensing increased substantially over the study period. The increase in the prescription of total opioids was largely attributed to an increase in the prescription of weak opioids. However, the increase in prescriptions of extended-release and long-acting opioids could be a future concern. These data may inform government organizations to create regulations and interventions for prescribing opioids.
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