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Hadler RA, Klinedinst R, Jones CA, Bao Y, Pathak R, Zarrabi AJ, Rosa WE. Dangerous Variation or Patient-Centered Care? Palliative Care and Pain Providers' Comfort, Experiences, and Approaches when Treating Cancer Pain With Coexisting Aberrant Behaviors. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241259034. [PMID: 38830349 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241259034] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer-related pain are at high risk for aberrant drug use behaviors (ADB), including self-escalation, diversion and concurrent illicit substance or opioid misuse; however, limited evidence is available to guide opioid prescribing for patients with life-limiting illness and concurrent or suspected ADB. We sought to characterize how specialists evaluate for and manage these high-risk behaviors in patients with cancer-related pain. METHODS We conducted telephonic semi-structured interviews with palliative care and pain medicine providers. Participants discussed their own comfort and experience level with identifying and managing ADB in patients with life-limiting illness. They were subsequently presented with a series of standardized scenarios and asked to describe their concerns and management strategies. RESULTS 95 interdisciplinary pain and palliative care specialists were contacted; 37 agreed to participate (38.9%). Analysis of interview contents revealed several central themes: (1) widespread discomfort and anxiety regarding safe and compassionate opioid prescribing for high-risk patients, (2) belief that widely used risk-mitigation tools such as opioid contracts and urine drug screens provided inadequate support for decision-making, and (3) lack of institutional and organizational support and guidance for safe prescribing strategies. Most clinicians reported self-education regarding addiction and alternative prescribing/pain management strategies. Providers varied widely in their willingness to discontinue opioid prescribing in a patient with aberrant behavior and pain associated with life-limiting illness. CONCLUSION Providers caring for patients demonstrating ADB and cancer-related pain struggle to balance safe prescribing with symptom management. Increased guidance is needed regarding opioid prescribing, monitoring, and discontinuation in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Hadler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Critical Care Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Klinedinst
- Palliative Care Alliance, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Christopher A Jones
- Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ravi Pathak
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ali J Zarrabi
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William E Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Aljassem A, Spickler M, Kapur N. A path to recovery for overlooked populations and their unique challenges: integrating rehabilitation in palliative care for patients with substance use disorders. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1373857. [PMID: 38756191 PMCID: PMC11096464 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1373857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Palliative care is a growing medical specialty focusing on providing compassionate and holistic management for those facing life-threatening diseases. These patients frequently present with physical, functional, emotional, and psychosocial problems that require comprehensive interdisciplinary management. However, there is a substantial opportunity to improve care for patients in palliative care who also have a substance use disorder (SUD). These opportunities include direct provision of SUD treatments by specialist palliative care providers and the integration of physical medicine and rehabilitation services. The purpose of this article is to examine the misunderstood and underutilized interaction between palliative care and SUDs, as well as describing the unique opportunities provided by physical medicine and rehabilitation providers to achieve a patient's palliative care goals and optimize overall quality of life. Substance Use Disorder is a chronic, often relapsing, illness that is relevant to palliative care practice due to the potential for significant morbidity and mortality through organ failure, chronic infections, and overdose syndromes. In traditional palliative care practice, it has been observed that past or current SUD diagnoses are often left untreated, resulting in increased distress, and exacerbating an already complex medical situation. Furthermore, many of these patients also experience physical, functional, or psychosocial changes that, when left untreated, will worsen distress and quality of life. To provide more comprehensive and successful palliative care for patients with SUD, the authors recommend an increased emphasis on specialist palliative care training in SUD management, proactive integration of rehabilitation services into the palliative care team, and consistent advocacy for these steps in various arenas. Combined, these actions can improve the care team's ability to provide a holistic, patient-centered approach that can have substantial positive outcomes for patients, health systems, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annas Aljassem
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Michael Spickler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Corwell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Nandita Kapur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, United States
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Rudy L, Lacroix E. Substance use disorders in hospice palliative care: A narrative review of challenges and a case for physician intervention. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38420710 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Substance use disorders (SUDs) are frequently encountered in hospice palliative care (HPC) and pose substantial quality-of-life issues for patients. However, most HPC physicians do not directly treat their patients' SUDs due to several institutional and personal barriers. This review will expand upon arguments for the integration of SUD treatment into HPC, will elucidate challenges for HPC providers, and will provide recommendations that address these challenges. METHODS A thorough review of the literature was conducted. Arguments for the treatment of SUDs and recommendations for physicians have been synthesized and expanded upon. RESULTS Treating SUD in HPC has the potential to improve adherence to care, access to social support, and outcomes for pain, mental health, and physical health. Barriers to SUD treatment in HPC include difficulties with accurate assessment, insufficient training, attitudes and stigma, and compromised pain management regimens. Recommendations for physicians and training environments to address these challenges include developing familiarity with standardized SUD assessment tools and pain management practice guidelines, creating and disseminating visual campaigns to combat stigma, including SUD assessment and intervention as fellowship competencies, and obtaining additional training in psychosocial interventions. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS By following these recommendations, HPC physicians can improve their competence and confidence in working with individuals with SUDs, which will help meet the pressing needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rudy
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Emilie Lacroix
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
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Langmann GA, Childers J, Merlin JS. Caring for Patients With Opioid Misuse or Substance Use Disorders in Hospice: A National Survey. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:209-215. [PMID: 37824806 PMCID: PMC11074426 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0082] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Opioid misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) including opioid use disorder (OUD) are common and negatively impact quality of life. Hospice clinicians' experiences with these conditions have not been well described. Objectives: We sought to explore hospice clinicians' knowledge, practices, and comfort caring for patients with opioid misuse (e.g., a pattern of unsanctioned opioid use escalation, or concurrent illicit substance use) and SUDs. Design: We recruited hospice clinicians in the United States via national hospice and palliative care organizations to complete an online survey designed by the study authors and pilot tested with an interdisciplinary group of current/former hospice clinicians. Results: One hundred seventy-five clinicians (40% nurses, 40% physicians, 16% nurse practitioners) responded to the survey; most had cared for two or more hospice patients with opioid misuse or SUD in the past month. The majority felt confident identifying opioid misuse (94%) and taking SUD histories (79%). Most (62%) felt it is their role to treat hospice patients for SUD, though 56% lacked comfort in using buprenorphine for OUD treatment. While the majority felt it is their role to treat pain in hospice patients with SUDs (94%) and that hospice can help patients with SUDs (94%), many were not comfortable managing pain in patients taking buprenorphine (45%) or naltrexone (49%) for SUDs. Most felt comfortable managing pain in patients taking methadone for SUD (73%). Conclusions: Opioid misuse and SUD are common in hospice. Though clinicians are comfortable taking relevant histories, they feel less comfortable managing patients' opioid misuse or SUD, or these patients' pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle A. Langmann
- Supportive and Palliative Care Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica S. Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Marti L, Hünerwadel E, Hut B, Christ SM, Däster F, Schettle M, Seiler A, Blum D, Hertler C. Characteristics and clinical challenges in patients with substance use disorder in palliative care-experience from a tertiary center in a high-income country. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:28. [PMID: 38287302 PMCID: PMC10826251 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to palliative care is often limited for challenging and vulnerable groups, including persons with substance use disorders. However, with optimized healthcare options and liberal substitution policies, this patient group is likely to increase over the upcoming years, and comorbidities will also influence the need for palliative support. Here, we aim at analyzing characteristics and specific challenges associated with substance use disorders (SUD) in palliative care. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with substance use disorder that were treated at our Competence Center Palliative Care within the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland between 2015 and 2021. Patient characteristics, including age, gender, duration of hospitalization, as well as specific metrics like body mass index, distinct palliative care assessment scores, and in-hospital opioid consumption were retrieved from the electronic patient files. Demographics and clinical data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and compared to those of a control group of palliative care patients without SUD. An opioid calculator was used to standardize opioid intake based on morphine equivalents for meaningful comparisons. RESULTS The primary characteristics revealed that the majority of individuals were single (56%), had no children (83%), lived alone (39%), and were either unemployed or recipients of a disability pension (in total 50%). Nicotine (89%), opioids (67%), and alcohol (67%) were the most used substances. We identified various comorbidities including psychiatric illnesses alongside SUD (56%), hepatitis A, B, or C (33%), and HIV infection (17%). Patients with SUD were significantly younger (p < 0.5), predominantly male (p < 0.05), and reported a higher prevalence of pain (p < 0.5) compared to the standard cohort of palliative patients. Regarding the challenges most frequently reported by healthcare practitioners, non-compliance, multimorbidity, challenging communication, biographical trauma, lack of social support, and unstable housing situations played a key role. CONCLUSION Patients with SUD represent a complex and vulnerable group dealing with multiple comorbidities that profoundly affect both their physical and psychological well-being. Understanding their unique characteristics is pivotal in providing precise and suitable palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bigna Hut
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian M Christ
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Däster
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schettle
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Annina Seiler
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - David Blum
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Hertler
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
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Jones KF, Khodyakov D, Han BH, Arnold RM, Dao E, Morrison J, Kapo J, Meier DE, Paice JA, Liebschutz JM, Ritchie CS, Merlin JS, Bulls HW. Expert consensus-based guidance on approaches to opioid management in individuals with advanced cancer-related pain and nonmedical stimulant use. Cancer 2023; 129:3978-3986. [PMID: 37691479 PMCID: PMC10910244 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34921] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians treating cancer-related pain with opioids regularly encounter nonmedical stimulant use (i.e., methamphetamine, cocaine), yet there is little evidence-based management guidance. The aim of the study is to identify expert consensus on opioid management strategies for an individual with advanced cancer and cancer-related pain with nonmedical stimulant use according to prognosis. METHODS The authors conducted two modified Delphi panels with palliative care and addiction experts. In Panel A, the patient's prognosis was weeks to months and in Panel B the prognosis was months to years. Experts reviewed, rated, and commented on the case using a 9-point Likert scale from 1 (very inappropriate) to 9 (very appropriate) and explained their responses. The authors applied the three-step analytical approach outlined in the RAND/UCLA to determine consensus and level of clinical appropriateness of management strategies. To better conceptualize the quantitative results, they thematically analyzed and coded participant comments. RESULTS Consensus was achieved for all management strategies. The 120 Experts were mostly women (47 [62%]), White (94 [78%]), and physicians (115 [96%]). For a patient with cancer-related and nonmedical stimulant use, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering. Buprenorphine/naloxone transition was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis. CONCLUSION Study findings provide urgently needed consensus-based guidance for clinicians managing cancer-related pain in the context of stimulant use and highlight a critical need to develop management strategies to address stimulant use disorder in people with cancer. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Among palliative care and addiction experts, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to continue opioids, increase monitoring, and avoid opioid tapering in the context of cancer-related pain and nonmedical stimulant use. Buprenorphine/naloxone transition as a harm reduction measure was inappropriate for a patient with a short prognosis and of uncertain appropriateness for a patient with a longer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- New England Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center and Division of Palliative Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Benjamin H. Han
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert M. Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily Dao
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Jeni Morrison
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Kapo
- Palliative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Diane E. Meier
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith A. Paice
- Division Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jane M. Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christine S. Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica S. Merlin
- Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hailey W. Bulls
- Challenges in Managing and Preventing Pain Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Steel TL, Bhatraju EP, Hills-Dunlap K. Critical care for patients with substance use disorders. Curr Opin Crit Care 2023; 29:484-492. [PMID: 37641506 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001080] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine the impact of substance use disorders (SUDs) on critical illness and the role of critical care providers in treating SUDs. We discuss emerging evidence supporting hospital-based addiction treatment and highlight the clinical and research innovations needed to elevate the standards of care for patients with SUDs in the intensive care unit (ICU) amidst staggering individual and public health consequences. RECENT FINDINGS Despite the rapid increase of SUDs in recent years, with growing implications for critical care, dedicated studies focused on ICU patients with SUDs remain scant. Available data demonstrate SUDs are major risk factors for the development and severity of critical illness and are associated with poor outcomes. ICU patients with SUDs experience mutually reinforcing effects of substance withdrawal and pain, which amplify risks and consequences of delirium, and complicate management of comorbid conditions. Hospital-based addiction treatment can dramatically improve the health outcomes of hospitalized patients with SUDs and should begin in the ICU. SUMMARY SUDs have a significant impact on critical illness and post-ICU outcomes. High-quality cohort and treatment studies designed specifically for ICU patients with SUDs are needed to define best practices and improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa L Steel
- Harborview Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
| | - Elenore P Bhatraju
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kelsey Hills-Dunlap
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Division of Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Jones KF, Broglio K, Ho JJ, Rosa WE. Compassionate Care for People with Cancer and Opioid Use Disorder. Am J Nurs 2023; 123:56-61. [PMID: 37498041 PMCID: PMC10619200 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000947480.74410.06] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an important comorbidity to assess and manage in people with cancer. In this article, the authors discuss strategies for safe opioid management in individuals with OUD and cancer-related pain using a composite case example. They highlight core approaches to pain management, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and evidence-based treatments, as well as advocacy for person-centered end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones is a palliative and addiction NP and researcher in the VA Boston Healthcare System. Kathleen Broglio is associate professor of medicine in the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. J. Janet Ho is a palliative and addiction medicine physician at the University of California, San Francisco. William E. Rosa is assistant attending behavioral scientist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. Contact author: Katie Fitzgerald Jones, . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Neale KJ, Weimer MB, Davis MP, Jones KF, Kullgren JG, Kale SS, Childers J, Broglio K, Merlin JS, Peck S, Francis SY, Bango J, Jones CA, Sager Z, Ho JJ. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Buprenorphine. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:120-130. [PMID: 36067137 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain management in palliative care (PC) is becoming more complex as patients survive longer with life-limiting illnesses and population-wide trends involving opioid misuse become more common in serious illness. Buprenorphine, a generally safe partial mu-opioid receptor agonist, has been shown to be effective for both pain management and opioid use disorder. It is critical that PC clinicians become comfortable with indications for its use, strategies for initiation while understanding risks and benefits. This article, written by a team of PC and addiction-trained specialists, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and a pharmacist, offers 10 tips to demystify buprenorphine use in serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Neale
- The Lois U and Harry R Horvitz Palliative Medicine Program, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa B Weimer
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mellar P Davis
- Department of Palliative Care, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Justin G Kullgren
- Palliative Medicine Clinical Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sachin S Kale
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathleen Broglio
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Collaboratory for Implementation Sciences at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics and Palliative Research Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Peck
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Emory University Healthcare Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheria Y Francis
- Collaborative Care Management, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Christopher A Jones
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary Sager
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Janet Ho
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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10
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Fitzgerald Jones K, Ho JJ, Merlin JS, Weimer M, Sager Z, Kapo J, Childers J. The X Waiver to Prescribe Buprenorphine: The Why and How. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1021-1023. [PMID: 35775892 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - J Janet Ho
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melissa Weimer
- Program of Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zachary Sager
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Kapo
- Palliative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julie Childers
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Fitzgerald Jones K, Khodyakov D, Arnold R, Bulls H, Dao E, Kapo J, Meier D, Paice J, Liebschutz J, Ritchie C, Merlin J. Consensus-Based Guidance on Opioid Management in Individuals With Advanced Cancer-Related Pain and Opioid Misuse or Use Disorder. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:1107-1114. [PMID: 35771550 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Importance Opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD) are important comorbidities in people with advanced cancer and cancer-related pain, but there is a lack of consensus on treatment. Objective To develop consensus among palliative care and addiction specialists on the appropriateness of various opioid management strategies in individuals with advanced cancer-related pain and opioid misuse or OUD. Design, Setting, and Participants For this qualitative study, using ExpertLens, an online platform and methodology for conducting modified Delphi panels, between August and October 2020, we conducted 2 modified Delphi panels to understand the perspectives of palliative and addiction clinicians on 3 common clinical scenarios varying by prognosis (weeks to months vs months to years). Of the 129 invited palliative or addiction medicine specialists, 120 participated in at least 1 round. A total of 84 participated in all 3 rounds. Main Outcomes and Measures Consensus was investigated for 3 clinical scenarios: (1) a patient with a history of an untreated opioid use disorder, (2) a patient taking more opioid than prescribed, and (3) a patient using nonprescribed benzodiazepines. Results Participants were mostly women (47 [62%]), White (94 (78 [65%]), and held MD/DO degrees (115 [96%]). For a patient with untreated OUD, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to begin treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone and inappropriate to refer to a methadone clinic. Beginning split-dose methadone was deemed appropriate for patients with shorter prognoses and of uncertain appropriateness for those with longer prognoses. Beginning a full opioid agonist was deemed of uncertain appropriateness for those with a short prognosis and inappropriate for those with a longer prognosis. Regardless of prognosis, for a patient with no medical history of OUD taking more opioids than prescribed, it was deemed appropriate to increase monitoring, inappropriate to taper opioids, and of uncertain appropriateness to increase the patient's opioids or transition to buprenorphine/naloxone. For a patient with a urine drug test positive for non-prescribed benzodiazepines, regardless of prognosis, it was deemed appropriate to increase monitoring, inappropriate to taper opioids and prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this qualitative study provide urgently needed consensus-based guidance for clinicians and highlight critical research and policy gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Robert Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hailey Bulls
- CHAllenges in Managing and Preventing Pain (CHAMPP) Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily Dao
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Jennifer Kapo
- MSCE Palliative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Diane Meier
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Judith Paice
- RN Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jane Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jessica Merlin
- CHAllenges in Managing and Preventing Pain (CHAMPP) Clinical Research Center, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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