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Slovis BH, Huang S, McArthur M, Martino C, Beers T, Labella M, Riggio JM, Pribitkin ED. Design and Implementation of an Opioid Scorecard for Hospital System-Wide Peer Comparison of Opioid Prescribing Habits: Observational Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e44662. [PMID: 39250214 PMCID: PMC11404392 DOI: 10.2196/44662] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Reductions in opioid prescribing by health care providers can lead to a decreased risk of opioid dependence in patients. Peer comparison has been demonstrated to impact providers' prescribing habits, though its effect on opioid prescribing has predominantly been studied in the emergency department setting. Objective The purpose of this study is to describe the development of an enterprise-wide opioid scorecard, the architecture of its implementation, and plans for future research on its effects. Methods Using data generated by the author's enterprise vendor-based electronic health record, the enterprise analytics software, and expertise from a dedicated group of informaticists, physicians, and analysts, the authors developed an opioid scorecard that was released on a quarterly basis via email to all opioid prescribers at our institution. These scorecards compare providers' opioid prescribing habits on the basis of established metrics to those of their peers within their specialty throughout the enterprise. Results At the time of this study's completion, 2034 providers have received at least 1 scorecard over a 5-quarter period ending in September 2021. Poisson regression demonstrated a 1.6% quarterly reduction in opioid prescribing, and chi-square analysis demonstrated pre-post reductions in the proportion of prescriptions longer than 5 days' duration and a morphine equivalent daily dose of >50. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first peer comparison effort with high-quality evidence-based metrics of this scale published in the literature. By sharing this process for designing the metrics and the process of distribution, the authors hope to influence other health systems to attempt to curb the opioid pandemic through peer comparison. Future research examining the effects of this intervention could demonstrate significant reductions in opioid prescribing, thus potentially reducing the progression of individual patients to opioid use disorder and the associated increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heritier Slovis
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, 111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, United States, 1 (215) 955-6000
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Soonyip Huang
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Melanie McArthur
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cara Martino
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Office of Quality and Patient Safety, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tasia Beers
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Meghan Labella
- Enterprise Analytics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Riggio
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, 111 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, United States, 1 (215) 955-6000
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edmund deAzevedo Pribitkin
- Office of the Chief Physician Executive, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Johnson CE, Wehby GL, Chrischilles EA, Arndt S, Carnahan RM. Examining the effect of prescription drug monitoring program integration and mandatory use policies on the distribution of methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, United States, 2009-2021. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 264:112432. [PMID: 39241503 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been shown to reduce opioid prescribing for pain, but it is not well understood whether PDMPs influence utilization of medications for opioid use disorder. PDMP integration and mandatory use policies are two approaches implemented by states to increase use of PDMPs by prescribers. This study examined the effect of these approaches on distribution of methadone and buprenorphine from 2009 to 2021 for 50 states and DC. METHODS The effect of PDMP integration and mandatory use policies on four outcomes (distribution of buprenorphine to opioid treatment programs, distribution of buprenorphine to pharmacies, distribution of methadone to opioid treatment programs, and the total combined distribution of methadone and buprenorphine) was estimated using a Callaway and Sant'Anna difference-in-differences model, controlling for co-occurring opioid-related state policies. RESULTS Distribution of buprenorphine to pharmacies decreased 8 % (95 % CI -14 %, -1 %) following implementation of mandatory use policies. Distribution of methadone to opioid treatment programs increased 17 % (95 % CI 4 %, 34 %) and the total combined distribution of methadone and buprenorphine increased 6 % (95 % CI -0 %, 14 %) following the joint implementation of both approaches. CONCLUSION Distribution of methadone and buprenorphine has increased since 2009, but less than a quarter of people with opioid use disorder currently receive these medications. We observed a small net benefit of PDMP integration and mandatory use policies on distribution of methadone and buprenorphine. Policymakers should continue to assess the impact of PDMPs on access to medications for opioid use disorder and consider additional approaches to increase access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian E Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - George L Wehby
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Chrischilles
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stephan Arndt
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ryan M Carnahan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Ehrenthal DB, Wang Y, Pac J, Durrance CP, Kirby RS, Berger LM. Trends in prenatal prescription opioid use among Medicaid beneficiaries in Wisconsin, 2010-2019. J Perinatol 2024; 44:1111-1118. [PMID: 38561393 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-01954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in prenatal opioid prescription exposure following new guidelines and policies. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study of all (262,284) Wisconsin Medicaid-insured live births 2010-2019. Prenatal exposures were classified as analgesic, short term, and chronic (90+ days), and medications used to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD). We describe overall and stratified temporal trends and used linear probability models with interaction terms to test their significance. RESULT We found 42,437 (16.2%) infants with prenatal exposure; most (90.5%) reflected analgesic opioids. From 2010 to 2019, overall exposure declined 12.8 percentage points (95% CI = 12.1-13.1). Reductions were observed across maternal demographic groups and in both rural and urban settings, though the extent varied. There was a small reduction in chronic analgesic exposure and a concurrent increase in MOUD. CONCLUSION Broad and sustained declines in prenatal prescription opioid exposure occurred over the decade, with little change in the percentage of infants chronically exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah B Ehrenthal
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Yi Wang
- Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Pac
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, College of Letters and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Institute for Research on Poverty, College of Letters and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christine Piette Durrance
- Institute for Research on Poverty, College of Letters and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Russell S Kirby
- Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lawrence M Berger
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, College of Letters and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Institute for Research on Poverty, College of Letters and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Bradford AC, Nguyen T, Schulson L, Dick A, Gupta S, Simon K, Stein BD. High-Dose Opioid Prescribing in Individuals with Acute Pain: Assessing the Effects of US State Opioid Policies. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08947-9. [PMID: 39028403 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08947-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND How state opioid policy environments with multiple concurrent policies affect opioid prescribing to individuals with acute pain is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), pain management clinic regulations, initial prescription duration limits, and mandatory continued medical education affected total and high-dose prescribing. DESIGN A county-level multiple-policy difference-in-difference event study framework. SUBJECTS A total of 2,425,643 individuals in a large national commercial insurance deidentified claims database (aged 12-64 years) with acute pain diagnoses and opioid prescriptions from 2007 to 2019. MAIN MEASURES The total number of acute pain opioid treatment episodes and number of episodes containing high-dose (> 90 morphine equivalent daily dosage (MEDD)) prescriptions. KEY RESULTS Approximately 7.5% of acute pain episodes were categorized as high-dose episodes. Prescription duration limits were associated with increases in the number of total episodes; no other policy was found to have a significant impact. Beginning five quarters after implementation, counties in states with pain management clinic regulations experienced a sustained 50% relative decline in the number of episodes containing > 90 MEDD prescriptions (95 CIs: (Q5: - 0.506, - 0.144; Q12: - 1.000, - 0.290)). Mandated continuing medical education regarding the treatment of pain was associated with a 50-75% relative increase in number of high-dose episodes following the first year-and-a-half of enactment (95 CIs: (Q7: 0.351, 0.869; Q12: 0.413, 1.107)). Initial prescription duration limits were associated with an initial relative reduction of 25% in high-dose prescribing, with the effect increasing over time (95 CI: (Q12: - 0.967, - 0.335). There was no evidence that PDMPs affected high-dose opioids dispensed to individuals with acute pain. Other high-risk prescribing indicators were explored as well; no consistent policy impacts were found. CONCLUSIONS State opioid policies may have differential effects on high-dose opioid dispensing in individuals with acute pain. Policymakers should consider effectiveness of individual policies in the presence of other opioid policies to address the ongoing opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Bradford
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lucy Schulson
- RAND Corporation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sumedha Gupta
- Department of Economics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kosali Simon
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Tumuhimbise W, Theuring S, Kaggwa F, Atukunda EC, Rubaihayo J, Atwine D, Sekandi JN, Musiimenta A. Enhancing the Implementation and Integration of mHealth Interventions in Resource-Limited Settings: A Scoping Review. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4757157. [PMID: 39070627 PMCID: PMC11275990 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4757157/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Although mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes, most of them rarely translate to scale. Prevailing mHealth studies are largely small-sized, short-term and donor-funded pilot studies with limited evidence on their effectiveness. To facilitate scale-up, several frameworks have been proposed to enhance the generic implementation of health interventions. However, there is a lack of a specific focus on the implementation and integration of mHealth interventions in routine care in low-resource settings. Our scoping review aimed to synthesize and develop a framework that could guide the implementation and integration of mHealth interventions. Methods We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases for published theories, models, and frameworks related to the implementation and integration of clinical interventions from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2023. The data processing was guided by a scoping review methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Studies were included if they were i) peer-reviewed and published between 2000 and 2023, ii) explicitly described a framework for clinical intervention implementation and integration, or iii) available in full text and published in English. We integrated different domains and constructs from the reviewed frameworks to develop a new framework for implementing and integrating mHealth interventions. Results We identified eight eligible papers with eight frameworks composed of 102 implementation domains. None of the identified frameworks were specific to the integration of mHealth interventions in low-resource settings. Two constructs (skill impartation and intervention awareness) related to the training domain, four constructs (technical and logistical support, identifying committed staff, supervision, and redesigning) from the restructuring domain, two constructs (monetary incentives and nonmonetary incentives) from the incentivize domain, two constructs (organizational mandates and government mandates) from the mandate domain and two constructs (collaboration and routine workflows) from the integrate domain. Therefore, a new framework that outlines five main domains-train, restructure, incentivize, mandate, and integrate (TRIMI)-in relation to the integration and implementation of mHealth interventions in low-resource settings emerged. Conclusion The TRIMI framework presents a realistic and realizable solution for the implementation and integration deficits of mHealth interventions in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Tumuhimbise
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda
| | - Stefanie Theuring
- Institute of International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Fred Kaggwa
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda
| | - Esther C Atukunda
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda
| | - John Rubaihayo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | | | | | - Angella Musiimenta
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Uganda, Angels Compassion Research and Development Initiative, Mbarara Uganda
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Villa NAE, Shum K, Atkinson A, Ong A, Muller A, Espiridion E. Opioid Use in Pelvic Fractures: The Impact of Opioid Prescribing Laws in Pennsylvania. Am Surg 2024; 90:1937-1939. [PMID: 38516756 DOI: 10.1177/00031348241241644] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Pennsylvania's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) was established in 2016, but its impact on opioid use for pelvic fractures is understudied. We compared opioid use in 277 pelvic fracture cases between two periods: 2015-2017 (T1) and 2018-2020 (T2). Outcomes included daily inpatient morphine milligram equivalents (MME), long-term opioid use (LOU) 60-90 days post-discharge, and intermediate-term opioid use (IOU) 30-60 days post-discharge. T1 and T2 had comparable baseline characteristics. T2 was associated with a decrease in average daily inpatient MME (58.6 vs 78.5, P = .02), particularly in younger patients. Regression analyses showed age and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were significant predictors for daily inpatient MME, while time period was not. Geriatric patients in T2 had significantly decreased IOU (30% vs 9%, P = .05). Pelvic fracture type and daily MME predicted IOU, while pelvic fracture type predicted LOU. This study suggests a modest impact of these laws, but further study is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ann E Villa
- Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Wyomissing, PA, USA
| | - Kristina Shum
- Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Wyomissing, PA, USA
| | - Allison Atkinson
- Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Wyomissing, PA, USA
| | - Adrian Ong
- Department of Surgery, Tower Health Systems, Reading Hospital, West Reading, PA, USA
| | - Alison Muller
- Department of Surgery, Tower Health Systems, Reading Hospital, West Reading, PA, USA
| | - Eduardo Espiridion
- Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Wyomissing, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tower Health Systems, Reading Hospital, West Reading, PA, USA
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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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Berger LM, Durrance C, Ehrenthal D, Kim H, Kuo HH, Pac J. Prenatal opioid exposure by likelihood of exposure and risk to prenatal development: Medicaid-covered births in Wisconsin, 2010-2019. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadg9674. [PMID: 38718116 PMCID: PMC11078186 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal opioid exposure is an established public health problem, in particular among Medicaid-covered births. Yet, existing prevalence rates are plausibly underestimated. We leverage extensive linked longitudinal administrative data for all Medicaid-covered live births in Wisconsin from 2010 to 2019 to estimate a range of prevalence rates using an innovative strategy that jointly accounts for both likelihood of exposure and potential risk to prenatal development. We find that 20.8% of infants may have been prenatally exposed to opioids, with 1.7% diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome and an additional 1.2% having a high combined likelihood of exposure and potential risk to prenatal development, 2.6% a moderate combined likelihood and risk, and 15.3% a low or uncertain combined likelihood and risk. We assess improvements in prevalence estimates based on our nuanced classification relative to those of prior studies. Our strategy could be broadly used to quantify the scope of the opioid crisis for pregnant populations, target interventions, and promote child health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M. Berger
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work and Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Christine Durrance
- Robert M. LaFollette of Public Affairs and Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Deborah Ehrenthal
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - HeeJin Kim
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work and Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hsiang-Hui Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jessica Pac
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work and Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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9
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Hartung DM, Kassakian SZ, Hendricks MA. Effect of integration of prescription drug monitoring program data in the electronic health record on queries by primary care providers. Health Informatics J 2024; 30:14604582241259337. [PMID: 38838647 DOI: 10.1177/14604582241259337] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of PDMP integration in the EHR on provider query rates within twelve primary care clinics in one academic medical center. Methods: Using linked data from the EHR and state PDMP program, we evaluated changes in PDMP query rates using a stepped-wedge observational design where integration was implemented in three waves (four clinics per wave) over a five-month period (May, July, September 2019). Multivariable negative binomial general estimating equations (GEE) models assessed changes in PDMP query rates, overall and across several provider and clinic-level subgroups. Results: Among 206 providers in PDMP integrated clinics, the average number of queries per provider per month increased significantly from 1.43 (95% CI 1.07 - 1.91) pre-integration to 3.94 (95% CI 2.96 - 5.24) post-integration, a 2.74-fold increase (95% CI 2.11 to 3.59; p < .0001). Those in the lowest quartile of PDMP use pre-integration increased 36.8-fold (95% CI 16.91 - 79.95) after integration, significantly more than other pre-integration PDMP use quartiles. Conclusions: Integration of the PDMP in the EHR significantly increased the use of the PDMP overall and across all studied subgroups. PDMP use increased to a greater degree among providers with lower PDMP use pre-integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Hartung
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Steven Z Kassakian
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michelle A Hendricks
- Department of Medicine, General Medical Sciences Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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10
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Kaur A, Mott DA, Gilson A. Tracking changes in opioid prescriptions dispensed following the enactment of a prescription drug monitoring program use mandate. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1543-1550. [PMID: 37716901 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-based surveillance tools used to track controlled substances dispensed to patients and identify patients at-risk of misuse. Starting April 2017, Wisconsin required all prescribers access PDMP to review patient information before issuing a controlled substance prescription order for more than a 3-day supply. A primary goal of PDMP use mandates is to reduce avoidable prescribing and mitigate opioid related mortality and morbidity. Current literature has not evaluated the existence of a time point post-policy implementation, at which the trend in opioid dispensing changes, reflecting normalization/maintenance of opioid prescribing. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of the PDMP use mandate on trends in opioid prescriptions dispensed and test a hypothesis that a change or inflection in opioid prescriptions dispensed occurred post-mandate implementation. METHODS Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA) design was used to examine whether the level (immediate impact) and trend in opioid prescribing changed significantly after the PDMP use mandate was implemented. We used a novel Change Point Analysis (CPA) approach to test the hypothesis i.e., identify if and when a change or inflection in opioid dispensing trend occurred after implementation of the PDMP use mandate. RESULTS ITSA model results showed a significant drop in opioid prescriptions dispensed (p < 0.05) immediately after the mandate implementation (i.e., April 2017). Results of the CPA identified a significant inflection in opioid prescriptions dispensed starting January 2019 (21-months post-policy implementation). An ITSA model using the inflection point as an interruption showed that the trend in opioid prescriptions dispensed became flatter after the inflection point, suggesting normalization. CONCLUSION Using a novel CPA approach, the findings showed an inflection in the trend in opioid prescriptions dispensed post-PDMP use mandate implementation, implying that most of the avoidable prescribing likely was curtailed. The results suggest that the patient information presumably accessed from the WI PDMP interface was useful in helping prescribers to make an informed clinical decision about opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arveen Kaur
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Ave, Rennebohm Hall, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - David A Mott
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, 2509 Rennebohm Hall, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Aaron Gilson
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, 2527D Rennebohm Hall, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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11
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Gunadi C, Shi1 Y. Association between prescription drug monitoring programs use mandates and prescription stimulants received by Medicaid enrollees. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1658-1666. [PMID: 37946605 PMCID: PMC11164253 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13712] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) use mandates are an important policy tool to curb nonmedical opioid use. However, data are scarce about their efficacy on other commonly used prescription drugs such as stimulants. METHODS We used 2010-2020 state-level secondary data from Medicaid State Drug Utilisation Data and quasi-experimental difference-in-differences research design to estimate the association between PDMP use mandates and population-adjusted stimulants (amphetamines and methylphenidate) prescribing outcomes: (i) number of prescriptions filled; and (ii) total amount reimbursed in US dollars. To account for heterogeneity in mandates across US states, two policy variables were considered: limited and expansive. Limited PDMP use mandates require prescribers or dispensers to check the PDMP only when prescribing/dispensing opioids or benzodiazepines, while expansive PDMP use mandates are non-specific to opioids/benzodiazepines and require prescribers or dispensers to check the PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule II-V. The sample included 49 US states and the District of Columbia. Nevada was excluded since it implemented the PDMP mandate before the period of analysis. RESULTS The state-wide implementation of the PDMP use mandate, either limited or expansive, was not associated with the number of prescriptions filled or the total amount reimbursed in US dollars for stimulants among Medicaid enrollees. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION There was no evidence for the associations between PDMP use mandates and stimulant prescribing among Medicaid enrollees. Future works are encouraged to replicate the study in other populations and with longer post-period analysis when the impact of the mandates might be more successfully materialised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gunadi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuyan Shi1
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Xia T, Picco L, Lalic S, Buchbinder R, Bell JS, Andrew NE, Lubman DI, Pearce C, Nielsen S. Determining the Impact of Opioid Policy on Substance Use and Mental Health-Related Harms: Protocol for a Data Linkage Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51825. [PMID: 37847553 PMCID: PMC10618880 DOI: 10.2196/51825] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing harms related to prescription opioids over the past decade have led to the introduction of a range of key national and state policy initiatives across Australia. These include introducing a mandatory real-time prescription drug-monitoring program in the state of Victoria from April 2020 and a series of changes to subsidies for opioids on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme from June 2020. Together, these changes aim to influence opioid supply and reduce harms related to prescription opioids, yet few studies have specifically explored how these policies have influenced opioid prescribing and related harms in Australia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the impact of a range of opioid-related policies on hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) presentations in Victoria, Australia. In particular, the study aims to understand the effect of various opioid policies and opioid-prescribing changes on (1) the number and rates of ED presentations and hospital admissions attributed to substance use (ie, opioid and nonopioid related) or mental ill-health (eg, suicide, self-harm, anxiety, and depression), (2) the association between differing opioid dose trajectories and the likelihood of ED presentations and hospital admissions related to substance use and mental ill-health, and (3) whether changes in an individual's opioid prescribing change the risk related to ED presentations and hospital admissions related to substance use and mental ill-health. METHODS We will conduct a population-level linked data study. General practice health records obtained from the Population Level Analysis and Reporting platform are linked with person-level data from 3 large hospital networks in Victoria, Australia. Interrupted time series analysis will be used to examine the impact of opioid policies on a range of harms, including the rates of presentations related to substance use (opioid and nonopioid) and mental ill-health among the primary care cohort. Group-based trajectory modeling and a case-crossover design will be used to further explore the impact of changes in opioid dosage and other covariates on opioid and nonopioid poisonings and mental ill-health-related presentations at the patient level. RESULTS Given that this paper serves as a protocol, there are currently no results available. The deidentified primary health data were sourced from electronic medical records of approximately 4,717,000 patients from 542 consenting general practices over a 6-year period (2017-2022). The submission of results for publication is planned for early 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study will add to the limited evidence base to help understand the impact of opioid policies in Australia, including whether intended or unintended outcomes are occurring as a result. TRIAL REGISTRATION EU PAS Register EUPAS104005; https://www.encepp.eu/encepp/viewResource.htm?id=104006. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Louisa Picco
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Samanta Lalic
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Musculoskeletal Health and Wiser Health Care Units, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, St Kilda, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadine E Andrew
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Peninsula Health, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | | | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
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Gupta S, Nguyen T, Freeman PR, Simon K. Competitive effects of federal and state opioid restrictions: Evidence from the controlled substance laws. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2023; 91:102772. [PMID: 37634274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102772] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
A significant concern in the policy landscape of the U.S. opioid crisis is whether supply-side controls can reduce opioid prescribing without harmful substitution. We consider an unstudied policy: the federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) restrictions placed in August 2014 on tramadol, the second most popular opioid medication. This was followed seven weeks later by CSA restrictions for hydrocodone combination products, the leading opioids on the market. Using regression discontinuity design (RDD) models, based on the timing of the (up-)scheduling changes, to explore spillover effects, we find that tightening prescribing restrictions on one opioid reduces its use, but increases prescribing of close competitors, leading to no reduction in total opioid prescriptions.This suggests that supply restrictions are not effective in reducing opioid prescribing the presence of close substitutes that remain unrestricted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha Gupta
- Department of Economics, IUPUI, Cavanaugh Hall, Room 523, 425 University Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46032, United States of America.
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, M3234 SPH II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lee T. Todd. Jr. Building, Room 260, 789 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America.
| | - Kosali Simon
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University and NBER, 1315 East Tenth Street, Room 443, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States of America.
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St. Marie BJ, Witry MJ, Reist JC. Barriers to Increasing Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Use: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. Comput Inform Nurs 2023; 41:556-562. [PMID: 36728156 PMCID: PMC10349893 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000997] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Prescription drug monitoring programs are implemented through individual state policies and are one solution to curb the opioid crisis. The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the multidisciplinary experiences using this program in practice; (2) identify limitations of the program and the desired features for improvement; and (3) characterize expectations for improved access when prescription drug monitoring programs are embedded in the electronic health record. A qualitative descriptive study design used semistructured interviews of 15 multidisciplinary healthcare providers. Textual data were analyzed using content analysis. Results showed the prescription drug monitoring program was helpful to decision-making processes related to opioid prescribing and referral to treatment; there were barriers limiting healthcare providers' use of the prescription drug monitoring program; preferences were delineated for integrating prescription drug monitoring program into electronic health record; and recommendations were provided to improve the program and increase use. In conclusion, the prescription drug monitoring program was viewed as useful in making strides to reduce the impact of inappropriate opioid prescribing in our country. By engaging a multidisciplinary group of healthcare providers, solutions were offered to improve the interface and function of the prescription drug monitoring program to assist in increasing use.
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Gunadi C, Shi Y. Prescription drug monitoring programs use mandates and prescription stimulant and depressant quantities. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1326. [PMID: 37434122 PMCID: PMC10334646 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16256-9] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the mandate to check patients' prescription history in Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database before prescribing/dispensing controlled drugs has been shown to be an important tool to curb opioid abuse, less is known about whether the mandate can reduce the misuse of other commonly abused prescription drugs. We examined whether PDMP use mandates were associated with changes in prescription stimulant and depressant quantities. METHODS Using data from Automated Reports and Consolidate Ordering System (ARCOS), we employed difference-in-differences design to estimate the association between PDMP use mandates and prescription stimulant and depressant quantities in 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia from 2006 to 2020. Limited PDMP use mandate was specific only to opioids or benzodiazepines. Expansive PDMP use mandate was non-specific to opioid or benzodiazepine and required prescribers/dispensers to check PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Schedule II-V. The main outcomes were population-adjusted prescription stimulant (amphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) and depressant (amobarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital) quantities in grams. RESULTS There was no evidence that limited PDMP use mandate was associated with a reduction in the prescription stimulant and depressant quantities. However, expansive PDMP use mandate that was non-specific to opioid or benzodiazepine and required prescribers/dispensers to check PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Schedule II-V was associated with 6.2% (95% CI: -10.06%, -2.08%) decline in prescription amphetamine quantity. CONCLUSION Expansive PDMP use mandate was associated with a decline in prescription amphetamine quantity. Limited PDMP use mandate did not appear to change prescription stimulant and depressant quantities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gunadi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0628, USA.
| | - Yuyan Shi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0628, USA
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Nielsen S, Picco L, Russell G, Pearce C, Andrew NE, Lubman DI, Bell JS, Buchbinder R, Xia T. Changes in opioid and other analgesic prescribing following voluntary and mandatory prescription drug monitoring program implementation: A time series analysis of early outcomes. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 117:104053. [PMID: 37209441 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australian prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) provide information about a patient's recent medication history for controlled drugs at the point of prescribing and dispensing. Despite their increasing use, the evidence for PDMPs is mixed, and is almost exclusively from the United States. This study examined the impact of PDMP implementation on opioid prescribing among general practitioners in Victoria, Australia. METHOD We examined data on analgesic prescribing using electronic records of 464 medical practices in the Australian state of Victoria between 01/04/2017 and 31/12/ 2020. We used interrupted time series analyses, to examine immediate and longer-term trends in medication prescribing following voluntary (from April 2019) and mandatory PDMP implementation (from April 2020). We examined changes in three outcomes (i) 'high' opioid dose (50-100mg oral morphine equivalent daily dose (OMEDD) and over 100mg (OMEDD) prescribing (ii) prescribing of high-risk medication combinations (opioids with either benzodiazepines or pregabalin), and (iii) initiation of non-controlled pain medications (tricyclic antidepressants, pregabalin and tramadol). RESULTS We found no effect of voluntary or mandatory PDMP implementation on 'high-dose' opioid prescribing with reductions only seen in those prescribed <20mg OMEDD (i.e., the lowest dose category). Co-prescribing of opioids with benzodiazepines (additional 11.87 [95%CI 2.04 to 21.67] patients/10,000 and pregabalin (additional 3.54 [95% CI 0.82 to 6.26] patients/10,000 increased following mandatory PDMP implementation among those prescribed opioids. In contrast to trends of reduced initiation prior to PDMP implementation, we found increased new initiation of non-monitored medications following PDMP implementation (e.g., an immediate increase of 2.32 [95%CI 0.02 to 4.54], patients/10,000 received pregabalin and 3.06 [95%CI 0.54 to 5.5] patients/10,000 received tricyclic antidepressants after mandatory PDMP implementation), and increased tramadol initiation during the voluntary PDMP period (an increase of 11.26 [95%CI: 5.84, 16.67] patients /10,000). CONCLUSION PDMP implementation did not appear to reduce prescribing of high opioid doses or high-risk combinations. Increased initiation of tricyclic antidepressants, pregabalin and tramadol may indicate a possible unintended effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Louisa Picco
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant Russell
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Nadine E Andrew
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Underwood NL, Kane H, Cance J, Emery K, Elek E, Zule W, Rooks-Peck C, Sargent W, Mells J. Achieving Reductions in Opioid Dispensing: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of State-Level Efforts to Improve Prescribing. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:262-270. [PMID: 36112160 PMCID: PMC9892169 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001583] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether any combinations of state-level public health activities were necessary or sufficient to reduce prescription opioid dispensing. DESIGN We examined 2016-2019 annual progress reports, 2014-2019 national opioid dispensing data (IQVIA), and interview data from states to categorize activities. We used crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to determine which program activities, individually or in combination, were necessary or sufficient for a better than average decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per capita. SETTING Twenty-nine US state health departments. PARTICIPANTS State health departments implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Prevention for States (PfS) program. MAIN OUTCOME Combinations of prevention activities related to changes in the rate of prescription opioid MME per capita dispensing from 2014 to 2019. RESULTS Three combinations were sufficient for greater than average state-level reductions in MME per capita: (1) expanding and improving proactive reporting in combination with enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines and not moving toward a real-time Prescription Drug Monitoring Program; (2) implementing or improving prescribing interventions for insurers, health systems, or pharmacy benefit managers in combination with enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines; and (3) not implementing or improving prescribing interventions for insurers, health systems, or pharmacy benefit managers in combination with not enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines. Interview data suggested that the 3 combinations indicate how state contexts and history with addressing opioid overdose shaped programming and the ability to reduce MME per capita. CONCLUSIONS States successful in reducing opioid dispensing selected activities that built upon existing policies and interventions, which may indicate thoughtful use of resources. To maximize impact in addressing the opioid overdose epidemic, states and agencies may benefit from building on existing policies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Underwood
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (Drs Underwood, Rooks-Peck, Sargent, and Mells); and RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Drs Kane, Cance, Elek, and Zule and Ms Emery)
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A Novel Approach to PDMP Reporting: Adapting Opioid Quality Measures to PDMP Data. J Healthc Qual 2023; 45:107-116. [PMID: 36580035 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The SUPPORT Act provided resources for developing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) capable of reporting on four specific opioid quality measures. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to map, test, and adapt these claims-based opioid quality measures specified for health plan performance to PDMP data for state-level performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maryland PDMP and claims from Maryland Medicaid beneficiaries continuously enrolled from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020. RESULTS The measure rates as specified using claims data are closely aligned with the measure rates when mapped and adapted to PDMP data. The Concurrent Use of Opioids and Benzodiazepines measure rates were 14.49% and 15.31%, the OHD rates were 12.44% and 13.54%, the OHDMP rates were 0.01% and 0.40%, and the Use of Opioids from Multiple Providers in Persons Without Cancer rates were 0.12% and 3.03% for the claims-based and adapted measures, respectively. DISCUSSION This is a novel application that may be replicated in other states to support quality improvement and can have a measurable effect on stemming the drug abuse epidemic. CONCLUSIONS This will facilitate data sharing of the opioid quality measure reporting within the Maryland PDMP and stakeholders responsible for caring for Maryland Medicaid beneficiaries. Owing to the encouragement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, other states' PDMPs may require the adaptation of these measures. This will open the door for innovative state-level policy and practice interventions. The quantification of outcomes related to these measures will inform our learning healthcare system and help support the Quintuple Aim.
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Nguyen T, Meille G, Buchmueller T. Mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs and overlapping prescriptions of opioids and benzodiazepines: Evidence from Kentucky. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 243:109759. [PMID: 36621199 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the opioid epidemic, many states implemented mandates requiring providers to check prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) before prescribing opioids. We examine how overlapping benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions changed after Kentucky implemented a PDMP mandate in July 2012. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time series analysis using monthly data from Kentucky's PDMP from 2010 to 2016. Separate analyses were conducted for overlapping prescriptions from a single provider or multiple providers, and by sex and age group. We also conducted an individual-level longitudinal analysis that compared changes in utilization patterns after the mandate went into effect to changes in earlier periods during which the mandate was not in effect. RESULTS Kentucky's PDMP mandate was associated with an immediate 7.5 % decline in the rate of overlapping benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions and a significant change in the trend from increasing to decreasing. Approximately half of the immediate effect in level terms was explained by decreases in overlapping prescriptions written by a single provider. Our longitudinal analysis suggests that over one year the mandate reduced initiation of overlapping prescriptions by 29.3 % and reduced continuation of overlapping prescriptions by 9.4 %. The effects of the policy were largest for women and men aged 36-50. CONCLUSIONS Though not the main rationale for the policy, Kentucky's PDMP mandate reduced overlapping prescriptions of benzodiazepines and opioids. Further efforts to reduce overlapping prescriptions should consider the effects on populations such as women over 50, who have high rates of overlapping prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Giacomo Meille
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Buchmueller
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Bao Y, Zhang H, Bruera E, Portenoy R, Rosa WE, Reid MC, Wen H. Medical Marijuana Legalization and Opioid- and Pain-Related Outcomes Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With Cancer Receiving Anticancer Treatment. JAMA Oncol 2023; 9:206-214. [PMID: 36454553 PMCID: PMC9716439 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.5623] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Importance The past decade saw rapid declines in opioids dispensed to patients with active cancer, with a concurrent increase in marijuana use among cancer survivors possibly associated with state medical marijuana legalization. Objective To assess the associations between medical marijuana legalization and opioid-related and pain-related outcomes for adult patients receiving cancer treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used 2012 to 2017 national commercial claims data and a difference-in-differences design to estimate the associations of interest for patients residing in 34 states without medical marijuana legalization by January 1, 2012. Secondary analysis differentiated between medical marijuana legalization with and without legal allowances for retail dispensaries. Data analysis was conducted between December 2021 and August 2022. Study samples included privately insured patients aged 18 to 64 years who received anticancer treatment during the 6 months after a new breast (in women), colorectal, or lung cancer diagnosis. Exposures State medical marijuana legalization that took effect between 2012 and 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Having 1 or more days of opioids, 1 or more days of long-acting opioids, total morphine milligram equivalents of any opioid dispensed to patients with 1 or more opioid days, and 1 or more pain-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations (hereafter, hospital events) during the 6 months after a new cancer diagnosis. Interaction terms were included between each policy indicator and an indicator of recent opioids, defined as having 1 or more opioid prescriptions during the 12 months before the new cancer diagnosis. Logistic models were estimated for dichotomous outcomes, and generalized linear models were estimated for morphine milligram equivalents. Results The analysis included 38 189 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer (38 189 women [100%]), 12 816 with colorectal cancer (7100 men [55.4%]), and 7190 with lung cancer (3674 women [51.1%]). Medical marijuana legalization was associated with a reduction in the rate of 1 or more opioid days from 90.1% to 84.4% (difference, 5.6 [95% CI, 2.2-9.0] percentage points; P = .001) among patients with breast cancer with recent opioids, from 89.4% to 84.4% (difference, 4.9 [95% CI, 0.5-9.4] percentage points; P = .03) among patients with colorectal cancer with recent opioids, and from 33.8% to 27.2% (difference, 6.5 [95% CI, 1.2-11.9] percentage points; P = .02) among patients with lung cancer without recent opioids. Medical marijuana legalization was associated with a reduction in the rate of 1 or more pain-related hospital events from 19.3% to 13.0% (difference, 6.3 [95% CI, 0.7-12.0] percentage points; P = .03) among patients with lung cancer with recent opioids. Conclusions and Relevance Findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that medical marijuana legalization implemented from 2012 to 2017 was associated with a lower rate of opioid dispensing and pain-related hospital events among some adults receiving treatment for newly diagnosed cancer. The nature of these associations and their implications for patient safety and quality of life need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Russell Portenoy
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - William E. Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Hefei Wen
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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Allen B, Jent VA, Cerdá M. Cycles of Chronic Opioid Therapy Following Mandatory Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Legislation: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:4088-4094. [PMID: 35411535 PMCID: PMC9708972 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mandates for prescriber use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), databases tracking controlled substance prescriptions, are associated with reduced opioid analgesic (OA) prescribing but may contribute to care discontinuity and chronic opioid therapy (COT) cycling, or multiple initiations and terminations. OBJECTIVE To estimate risks of COT cycling in New York City (NYC) due to the New York State (NYS) PDMP mandate, compared to risks in neighboring New Jersey (NJ) counties. DESIGN We estimated cycling risk using Prentice, Williams, and Peterson gap-time models adjusted for age, sex, OA dose, payment type, and county population density, using a life-table difference-in-differences design. Failure time was duration between cycles. In a subgroup analysis, we estimated risk among patients receiving high-dose prescriptions. Sensitivity analyses tested robustness to cycle volume considering only first cycles using Cox proportional hazard models. PARTICIPANTS The cohort included 7604 patients dispensed 12,695 prescriptions. INTERVENTIONS The exposure was the August 2013 enactment of the NYS PDMP prescriber use mandate. MAIN MEASURES We used monthly, patient-level data on OA prescriptions dispensed in NYC and NJ between August 2011 and July 2015. We defined COT as three sequential months of prescriptions, permitting 1-month gaps. We defined recurrence as re-initiation of COT after at least 2 months without prescriptions. The exposure was enactment of the PDMP mandate in NYC; NJ was unexposed. KEY RESULTS Enactment of the NYS PDMP mandate was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for cycling of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.94-1.08) in NYC. For high-dose prescriptions, the risk was 1.16 (95% CI, 1.01-1.34). Sensitivity analyses estimated an overall risk of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.94-1.11) and high-dose risk of 1.09 (95% CI, 0.91-1.31). CONCLUSIONS The PDMP mandate had no overall effect on COT cycling in NYC but increased cycling risk among patients receiving high-dose opioid prescriptions by 16%, highlighting care discontinuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bennett Allen
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Victoria A Jent
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Acharya M, Hayes CJ, Li C, Painter JT, Dayer L, Martin BC. Development of a potential opioid misuse measure from administrative dispensing data and contrasting opioid misuse among individuals on long-term tramadol, long-term short-acting hydrocodone or long-term short-acting oxycodone therapy in Arkansas. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:1947-1957. [PMID: 36000252 PMCID: PMC10507676 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2112874] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to: (1) construct and validate a composite potential opioid misuse score; and (2) compare potential opioid misuse among individuals prescribed long-term therapy on tramadol, short-acting hydrocodone or short-acting oxycodone. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database (APCD; 2013-2018) linked to Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP; 2014-2017) and state death certificate data (2013-2018). The study subjects were ambulatory, cancer-free adults with incident long-term therapy on tramadol, short-acting hydrocodone or short-acting oxycodone. The number of opioid prescribers/pharmacies, cash payment for opioid prescriptions, overlapping prescribers/pharmacies and a composite misuse score (derived from opioid prescribers/pharmacies and cash payment) were assessed in two 180 day windows as potential measures of misuse. The composite score was developed based on associations observed with opioid overdose and opioid-related injuries. RESULTS A total of 17,816 (tramadol), 23,660 (hydrocodone) and 4799 (oxycodone) persons were included. The composite score had modest discrimination for overdose (c-index = 0.65). In the first 180 day period, the average composite misuse scores were 1.28 (tramadol), 1.93 (hydrocodone) and 2.18 (oxycodone). Compared to long-term hydrocodone, long-term tramadol had lower misuse (IRR [95% CI]: 0.75 [0.73-0.76]), and long-term oxycodone had higher misuse (1.09 [1.07-1.11]) in adjusted analyses. Qualitatively similar associations were observed for nearly all individual component measures of misuse. CONCLUSION A composite measure of potential opioid misuse had modest levels of discrimination in detecting overdose. In comparison to long-term hydrocodone therapy, long-term oxycodone had higher and tramadol had lower risk of potential opioid misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahip Acharya
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Corey J Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Systems, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Chenghui Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jacob T Painter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Systems, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lindsey Dayer
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Bradley C Martin
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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23
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Zavodnick J, Wickersham A, Petok A, Worster B, Leader A. "1,000 conversations I'd rather have than that one:" A qualitative study of prescriber experiences with opioids and the impact of a prescription drug monitoring program. J Addict Dis 2022; 40:527-537. [PMID: 35133217 PMCID: PMC9357854 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2035168] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) have shown impacts on a number of opioid-related outcomes but their role in clinician emotional experience of opioid prescribing has not been studied. OBJECTIVES This study explores the impact of PDMPs on clinician attitudes toward and comfort with opioid prescribing, their satisfaction with patient interactions involving discussion of opioid prescriptions, and their recognition of opioid use disorder (OUD) and ability to refer patients to treatment. METHODS Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with five physicians and two nurse practitioners from a variety of specialties and practice environments. RESULTS Many participants reported negative emotions surrounding opioid-related patient encounters, with decreased anxiety related to PDMP availability. These effects were less pronounced with clinicians who had greater opioid prescribing experience (either longer careers or higher-volume pain practices). Many participants felt uncomfortable around opioid prescribing. Data from the PDMP often changed prescribing practices, sometimes leading to greater comfort writing a prescription that might have felt riskier without PDMP data. Clinicians easily recognized patient behaviors, symptoms, and prescription requests suggesting that opioid-related adverse events were accumulating, but did not usually apply a label of OUD to these situations. PDMP findings occasionally contributed to a diagnosis and treatment referral for OUD. CONCLUSIONS PDMP data is part of a nuanced approach to prescribing opioids. The objectivity of the data may be helpful in mitigating clinician negative emotions that are common around opioid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Zavodnick
- Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Alexis Wickersham
- Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Alison Petok
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Brooke Worster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Amy Leader
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
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Impact evaluation of a brief online training module on physician use of the Maryland, USA, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272217. [PMID: 35944051 PMCID: PMC9362906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272217] [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: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions in a state. They are underused tools in preventing opioid abuse. Most PDMP education research measures changes in knowledge or confidence rather than behavior.
Objective
To evaluate the impact of online case-based training on healthcare provider use of the Maryland (USA) PDMP.
Methods
We used e-mail distribution lists to recruit providers to complete a brief educational module. Using a pre-training and post-training survey in the module, we measured self-reported PDMP use patterns and perceived PDMP value in specific clinical situations and compared pre- and post-training responses. Within the module, we presented three fictional pain cases and asked participants how they would manage each, both before, and then after presenting prescription drug history simulating a PDMP report. We measured changes in the fictional case treatment plans before and after seeing prescription history. Finally, we measured and compared how often each participant accessed the Maryland PDMP database before and after completing the educational module. We used multivariate logistic regression to measure the effect of the intervention on actual PDMP use frequency.
Results
One hundred and fifty participants enrolled and completed the training module, and we successfully retrieved real-world PDMP use data of 137 of them. Participants’ decisions to prescribe opioids changed significantly after reviewing PDMP data in each of the fictional cases provided in the module. In the months following the training, the rate of PDMP use increased by a median of four use-cases per month among providers in practice for less than 20 years (p = 0.039) and two use-cases per month among infrequent opioid prescribers (p = 0.014).
Conclusion
A brief online case-based educational intervention was associated with a significant increase in the rate of PDMP use among infrequent opioid prescribers and those in practice less than 20 years.
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Gorfinkel LR, Hasin D, Saxon AJ, Wall M, Martins SS, Cerdá M, Keyes K, Fink DS, Keyhani S, Maynard CC, Olfson M. Trends in Prescriptions for Non-opioid Pain Medications Among U.S. Adults With Moderate or Severe Pain, 2014-2018. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1187-1195. [PMID: 35143969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As opioid prescribing has declined, it is unclear how the landscape of prescription pain treatment across the U.S. has changed. We used nationally-representative data from the Medical Expenditure Health Survey, 2014 to 2018 to examine trends in prescriptions for opioid and non-opioid pain medications, including acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, and antidepressants among U.S. adults with self-reported pain. Overall, from 2014 to 2018, the percentage of participants receiving a prescription for opioids declined, (38.8% vs 32.8%), remained stable for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (26.8% vs 27.7%), and increased for acetaminophen (1.6% vs 2.3%), antidepressants (9.6% vs 12.0%) and gabapentinoids (13.2% vs 19.0%). In this period, the adjusted odds of receiving an opioid prescription decreased (aOR = .93, 95% CI = .90-.96), while the adjusted odds of receiving antidepressant, gabapentinoid and acetaminophen prescriptions increased (antidepressants: aOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.13 gabapentinoids: aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06-1.17; acetaminophen: aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.20). Secondary analyses stratifiying within the 2014 to 2016 and 2016 to 2018 periods revealed particular increases in prescriptions for gabapentinoids (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05-1.21) and antidepressants (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.12-1.35) since 2016. PERSPECTIVE: These data demonstrate that physicians are increasingly turning to CDC-recommended non-opioid medications for pain management, particularly antidepressants and gabapentinoids. However, evidence for these medications' efficacy in treating numerous common pain conditions, including low back pain, remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Gorfinkel
- The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Deborah Hasin
- The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Andrew J Saxon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health System, United States of America
| | - Melanie Wall
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - David S Fink
- The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Salomeh Keyhani
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Charles C Maynard
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Lurie T, Bonnin N, Rea J, Tuteja G, Dezman Z, Wilkerson RG, Buganu A, Chasm R, Haase DJ, Tran QK. Patterns of opioid prescribing in emergency departments during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 56:63-70. [PMID: 35367681 PMCID: PMC8956353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic was superimposed upon an ongoing epidemic of opioid use disorder and overdose deaths. Although the trend of opioid prescription patterns (OPP) had decreased in response to public health efforts before the pandemic, little is known about the OPP from emergency department (ED) clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a pre-post study of adult patients who were discharged from 13 EDs and one urgent care within our academic medical system between 01/01/2019 and 09/30/2020 using an interrupted time series (ITS) approach. Patient characteristics and prescription data were extracted from the single unified electronic medical record across all study sites. Prescriptions of opioids were converted into morphine equivalent dose (MED). We compared the “Covid-19 Pandemic” period (C19, 03/29/2020–9/30/2020) and the “Pre-Pandemic” period (PP, 1/19/2020–03/28/2020). We used a multivariate logistic regression to assess clinical factors associated with opioid prescriptions. Results We analyzed 361,794 ED visits by adult patients, including 259,242 (72%) PP and 102,552 (28%) C19 visits. Demographic information and percentages of patients receiving opioid prescriptions were similar in both groups. The median [IQR] MED per prescription was higher for C19 patients (70 [56–90]) than for PP patients (60 [60–90], P < 0.001). ITS demonstrated a significant trend toward higher MED prescription per ED visit during the pandemic (coefficient 0.11, 95% CI 0.05–0.16, P = 0.002). A few factors, that were associated with lower likelihood of opioid prescriptions before the pandemic, became non-significant during the pandemic. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that emergency clinicians increased the prescribed amount of opioids per prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Etiologies for this finding could include lack of access to primary care and other specialties during the pandemic, or lower volumes allowing for emergency clinicians to identify who is safe to be prescribed opioids.
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Karamian BA, Jeyamohan H, Minetos PD, Kothari P, Canseco JA, Bowles DR, Pekuri A, Conaway W, DiMaria SL, Mao JZ, Woods BI, Kaye ID, Lee JK, Rihn JA, Hilibrand AS, Kepler CK, Vaccaro AR, Schroeder GD. Effect of a Mandatory Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on Patient-initiated Phone Calls After Spine Surgery. Clin Spine Surg 2022; 35:E405-E411. [PMID: 34923502 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a statewide, government-mandated prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) on patient-initiated phone calls after lumbar and cervical spinal surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Prior studies have examined the most common reasons for a postoperative phone calls, most of which pertain to pain or prescription medications. However, no studies have investigated the effects of mandatory opioid prescription reporting on these calls. METHODS Patients who underwent lumbar decompression, lumbar fusion, or posterior cervical fusion were retrospectively identified. Patients were sorted into 1 of 2 cohorts based on their procedure date's relation to the initiation of the state's PDMP: "pre-PDMP" and "post-PDMP." All clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic health records. Telephone communications from or on behalf of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent factors associated with a postoperative phone call. RESULTS Five hundred and twenty-five patients (2689 phone calls) were included in the study. Average number of phone calls per patient increased significantly after PDMP implementation among lumbar (3.27 vs. 5.18, P<0.001), cervical (5.08 vs. 11.67, P<0.001), and all (3.59 vs. 6.30, P<0.001) procedures. Age [odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (1.01, 1.09), P=0.02], cervical procedure [OR: 4.65 (1.93, 11.21), P=0.001], and a post-PDMP date of surgery [OR: 6.35 (3.55, 11.35), P<0.001] were independently associated with an increased likelihood of a postoperative phone call. A higher percentage of calls were in reference to postoperative care (4.6% vs. 2.4%, P=0.01) and wound care (4.3% vs. 1.4%, P<0.001) in the post-PDMP cohort compared with the pre-PDMP cohort. CONCLUSIONS Patient-initiated telephone calls increased significantly after implementation of a mandatory statewide PDMP. Increasing age, operation involving the cervical spine, and surgery occurring after implementation of the state's PDMP were independently associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative phone call to health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Karamian
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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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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29
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Thomas CP. Commentary: Moving Toward Clear, Evidence-based, and Effective State Policies for Addiction Medicine. J Addict Med 2022; 16:130-131. [PMID: 34014208 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000862] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
State policies play a critical role in determining health care delivery, health equity, and health outcomes, but vary widely in scope, target, restrictiveness, and goals. Understanding how such policies impact health care is critical to development of evidence-based policies, but difficult in the absence of organized and standardized approaches to analysis. Development of themes and frameworks for analysis, and identification of policies supported by evidence, are important steps in moving toward more rational and aligned policies. Buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder provides a good example and methodological foundation. At the same time, state policies are promulgated within a larger policy, treatment, and socio-economic environment, and these influences must be considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Parks Thomas
- Heller Graduate School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
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30
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Hoppe D, Karimi L, Khalil H. Mapping the research addressing prescription drug monitoring programs: A scoping review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:803-817. [PMID: 35106867 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ISSUES Prescription drug monitoring programs are a harm minimisation intervention and clinical decision support tool that address the public health concern surrounding prescription drug misuse. Given the large number of studies published to date and the ongoing implementation of these programs, it is important to map the literature and identify areas for further research to improve practice. APPROACH A scoping review was undertaken to identify the research on prescription drug monitoring programs published between January 2015 and April 2021. KEY FINDINGS A total of 153 citations were included in this scoping review. The majority of the studies originated from the USA and were quantitative. Results on program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. Unintended consequences are revealed in the literature and this review also highlights barriers to program use. IMPLICATIONS Overall, findings are mixed despite the large number of studies published to date. Mapping the literature identifies priority areas for further research that can advise policymakers and clinicians on practice improvement. CONCLUSION Results on prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness are mixed and mainly examine their association with opioid-related outcomes. This review highlights barriers to prescription drug monitoring program effectiveness related to program use and system integration. Further research is needed in these areas to improve prescription drug monitoring program use and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimi Hoppe
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leila Karimi
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hanan Khalil
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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31
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Gardner RL, Baier RR, Cooper EL, Clements EE, Belanger E. Interventions to Reduce Hospital and Emergency Department Utilization Among People With Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review. Med Care 2022; 60:164-177. [PMID: 34908009 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001676] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders (SUDs), prevalent worldwide, are associated with significant morbidity and health care utilization. OBJECTIVES To identify interventions addressing hospital and emergency department utilization among people with substance use, to summarize findings for those seeking to implement such interventions, and to articulate gaps that can be addressed by future research. RESEARCH DESIGN A scoping review of the literature. We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar for any articles published from January 2010 to June 2020. The main search terms included the target population of adults with substance use or SUDs, the outcomes of hospital and emergency department utilization, and interventions aimed at improving these outcomes in the target population. SUBJECTS Adults with substance use or SUDs, including alcohol use. MEASURES Hospital and emergency department utilization. RESULTS Our initial search identified 1807 titles, from which 44 articles were included in the review. Most interventions were implemented in the United States (n=35). Half focused on people using any substance (n=22) and a quarter on opioids (n=12). The tested approaches varied and included postdischarge services, medications, legislation, and counseling, among others. The majority of study designs were retrospective cohort studies (n=31). CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found few studies assessing interventions to reduce health care utilization among people with SUDs. The studies that we did identify differed across multiple domains and included few randomized trials. Study heterogeneity limits our ability to compare interventions or to recommend one specific approach to reducing health care utilization among this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L Gardner
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Healthcentric Advisors
| | - Rosa R Baier
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Erin E Clements
- Public Health Program, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Emmanuelle Belanger
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
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Chen Q, Sterner G, Segel J, Feng Z. Trends in opioid-related crime incidents and comparison with opioid overdose outcomes in the United States. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 101:103555. [PMID: 35026674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic in the United States remains a critically important public health issue and continues to worsen. While healthcare data and outcomes are commonly used to characterize the state of the epidemic and evaluate the impact of policy changes, criminal justice data is under-utilized in research despite its high relevance and unique role in the opioid crisis. Our objective is to understand temporal trends in opioid-related crime incidents and the comparability with the dynamic patterns in health-related outcomes. METHODS We used incident-level crime data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) during 2005-2018. We identified all incidents involving opioids, which were grouped by opioid type (illicit and prescription opioids), and by drug-related criminal activity (possession and distribution). We estimated annual opioid-related crime incident rates per 100,000 residents. Joinpoint analysis was performed to examine the significant changes in the temporal trends of crime incident rates. We examined the association between opioid-related crime incidents and health outcomes using state fixed effects regression models. RESULTS Among the NIBRS covered population, incident rates of all opioid-related crimes increased significantly from 32.0 to 91.4 per 100,000 between 2005 and 2016, followed by a moderate decrease to 78.3 per 100,000 by 2018. The initial increase in incident rates was predominantly driven by prescription opioid-related incidents which increased by 19.6% per year from 2005 to 2010. Between 2010 and 2015, most of the increase came from illicit opioid-related incidents which accelerated to an increase of 21.6% per year. Opioid-related crime incident rates were found to be significantly and positively associated with rates of opioid-related emergency department visits, inpatient hospitalization, and overdose mortality. CONCLUSION Crime data describe temporal trends and shifting patterns in the opioid epidemic that are highly consistent with health-related data. Criminal justice data could be a potentially powerful tool to understand the changing landscape of opioid and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Chen
- The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Glenn Sterner
- Criminal Justice Research Center and Department of Criminal Justice, The Pennsylvania State University Abington Campus, Abington, PA, USA
| | - Joel Segel
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Zixuan Feng
- The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Rubin SJ, Wang JJ, Nodoushani AY, Yarlagadda BB, Wulu JA, Edwards HA. The effect of a statewide prescription drug monitoring program on opioid prescribing patterns. Am J Otolaryngol 2022; 43:103262. [PMID: 34626913 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103262] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Determine whether opioid prescribing patterns have changed as a result of implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in the state of Massachusetts. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multicentered retrospective study was performed including patients who received tonsillectomy, parotidectomy, thyroidectomy or direct laryngoscopy and biopsy with or without rigid esophagoscopy and/or rigid bronchoscopy at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center (Burlington, MA) or Boston Medical Center (Boston, MA). Opioid prescribing patterns were compared for the 12 months prior to implementation of the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT) to 36 months of prescribing patterns post implementation. Quantity of opioids prescribed was based on morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Continuous variables were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) while categorical variables were compared using chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression. RESULTS A total of 2281 patients were included in the study. There was a significant association in mean overall MME prescribed comparing pre-MassPAT and post-MassPAT data [tonsillectomy: 635.9 ± 175.6 vs 463.3 ± 177.7 (p < 0.0001), parotidectomy: 250.4 ± 71.33 vs 169.8 ± 79.26 (p < 0.0001), thyroidectomy: 186.2 ± 81.14 vs 118.3 ± 88.79 (p < 0.0001), direct laryngoscopy with biopsy: 308.3 ± 246.9 vs 308.3 ± 246.9 (p = 0.0201)]. There was also a significant association between length of opioid prescription (days) and implementation of MassPAT, but there was no significant difference in the percent of patients requiring refills pre- MassPAT and post-MassPAT. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that prescribers have been able to significantly decrease the amount of opioids prescribed for tonsillectomy, parotidectomy, thyroidectomy, and direct laryngoscopy and biopsy and patients have not required additional opioid refills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Rubin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America.
| | - Judy J Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Ariana Y Nodoushani
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Bharat B Yarlagadda
- Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01850, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline A Wulu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather A Edwards
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
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Anwar T, Jayawardhana J. The association between pill mill legislation and neonatal abstinence syndrome. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a drug withdrawal syndrome in newborns who were primarily been exposed to drugs such as opioids in the mothers’ womb. The NAS rate in the USA has increased over the past decade. With rising opioid use and opioid overdose deaths, many states adopted various policies to combat the opioid epidemic, including the pill mill legislation. However, its effect on NAS is not evident. This study examines the association between pill mill legislation and NAS rate in the USA.
Methods
The study utilizes state-level hospital discharge data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s (HCUP) Fast Stats database from 2008 to 2018, along with state-level socio-demographic and opioid-related health policy data. Analysis was conducted using a difference-in-differences regression approach.
Key findings
The results indicate that pill mill legislation is associated with 4 additional incidents of NAS cases per 1000 newborn hospitalizations (P < 0.05), and 6.5 additional incidents of NAS cases per 1000 newborn hospitalizations among Medicaid payers (P < 0.05) in states with pill mill legislation compared with states without the legislation. Moreover, the results indicate that states with prescription drug monitoring programmes (PDMP) are experiencing lower incidents of NAS cases overall (P < 0.01), and among Medicaid and privately insured populations (P < 0.05) in comparison with states without PDMPs.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that pill mill legislation has not been effective in reducing NAS rates in the USA. A comprehensive policy approach targeting opioid use among pregnant women may be needed to effectively reduce NAS rates in the USA.
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Turner HN, Oliver J, Compton P, Matteliano D, Sowicz TJ, Strobbe S, St Marie B, Wilson M. Pain Management and Risks Associated With Substance Use: Practice Recommendations. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 23:91-108. [PMID: 34965906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Assessing and managing pain while evaluating risks associated with substance use and substance use disorders continues to be a challenge faced by health care clinicians. The American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the International Nurses Society on Addictions uphold the principle that all persons with co-occurring pain and substance use or substance use disorders have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and receive evidence-based, high quality assessment, and management for both conditions. The American Society for Pain Management Nursing and International Nurses Society on Addictions have updated their 2012 position statement on this topic supporting an integrated, holistic, multidimensional approach, which includes nonopioid and nonpharmacological modalities. Opioid use disorder is used as an exemplar for substance use disorders and clinical recommendations are included with expanded attention to risk assessment and mitigation with interventions targeted to minimize the risk for relapse or escalation of substance use. Opioids should not be excluded for anyone when indicated for pain management. A team-based approach is critical, promotes the active involvement of the person with pain and their support systems, and includes pain and addiction specialists whenever possible. Health care systems should establish policies and procedures that facilitate and support the principles and recommendations put forth in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - June Oliver
- Swedish Hospital, Northshore University Healthsystem, Chicago, IL.
| | | | | | | | | | - Barbara St Marie
- University of Iowa College of Nursing, Washington State University, College of Nursing
| | - Marian Wilson
- Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing; Washington State University, College of Nursing
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Enns B, Krebs E, Thomson T, Dale LM, Min JE, Nosyk B. Opioid analgesic prescribing for opioid-naïve individuals prior to identification of opioid use disorder in British Columbia, Canada. Addiction 2021; 116:3422-3432. [PMID: 33861882 DOI: 10.1111/add.15515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prescription opioid analgesics have contributed to the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) in many individuals. We aimed to characterize non-cancer opioid prescribing for opioid-naive individuals prior to OUD identification. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study using six linked health administrative databases. SETTING British Columbia (BC), Canada. PARTICIPANTS People with OUD between 1 January 2001 and 30 September 2018 who initiated opioid analgesic therapy for non-cancer pain prior to OUD identification. MEASUREMENTS Dose (morphine milligram equivalent per day), days prescribed and clinical guideline non-concordance for initial opioid prescriptions (dose ≥ 90 morphine milligram equivalent per day; ≥ 7 days prescribed; concomitant sedative prescription). We estimated the probability of non-concordant initial prescriptions by source (inpatient post-discharge, non-inpatient acute, non-acute) using logistic regression, adjusting for individual characteristics and comorbidities. FINDINGS Among 66 372 individuals identified with OUD from 2001 to 2018, 21 331 (32.1%) received opioid analgesics prior to OUD identification. This proportion increased from 3.0% in 2001 to 41.0% in 2011, before decreasing to 34.2% in 2017. Roughly half of opioid prescriptions were attributed to non-acute care visits, peaking at 56.8% in 2007, while the proportion from inpatient visits increased from 19.7% in 2001 to 28.5% in 2017. The predicted probability of receiving non-guideline concordant prescriptions declined over time-periods across all three measures for inpatient and non-inpatient acute care, while remaining stable for non-acute care. In particular, the predicted probability of receiving ≥ 7-day prescriptions following inpatient visits decreased from 53.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 50.9, 55.8%] in 2001-06 to 37.2% (95% CI = 33.9, 40.5%) in 2013-18. CONCLUSIONS Among the 66 372 individuals in British Columbia, Canada diagnosed with opioid use disorder between 2001 and 2018, more than 32% were earlier prescribed non-cancer opioid analgesics. The proportion who had received an opioid analgesic prescription prior to OUD identification peaked at more than 40% in 2011, before stabilizing between 2011 and 2016 and declining thereafter. Guideline concordance improved over time for high-dose and concomitant sedative prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Enns
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trevor Thomson
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura M Dale
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Gurwitz JH. Preventing opioid-related adverse drug events: We can do this! J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 70:88-89. [PMID: 34705267 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jerry H Gurwitz
- Meyers Health Care Institute, A Joint Endeavor of UMass Chan Medical School, Reliant Medical Group, and Fallon Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Bao Y, Zhang H, Wen K, Johnson P, Jeng PJ, Witkin LR, Nicholson S, Reid MC, Schackman BR. Robust Prescription Monitoring Programs and Abrupt Discontinuation of Long-term Opioid Use. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:537-544. [PMID: 34233856 PMCID: PMC8455444 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study assesses the associations between the recent implementation of robust features of state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs and the abrupt discontinuation of long-term opioid therapies. METHODS Data were from a national commercial insurance database and included privately insured adults aged 18-64 years and Medicare Advantage enrollees aged ≥65 years who initiated a long-term opioid therapy episode between Quarter 2 of 2011 and Quarter 2 of 2017. State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs were characterized as nonrobust, robust, and strongly robust. Abrupt discontinuation was measured on the basis of high daily morphine milligram equivalents over the last 30 days of a long-term opioid therapy episode or no sign of tapering before discontinuation. Difference-in-differences models were estimated in 2019‒2020 to assess the association between robust Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs and abrupt discontinuation. RESULTS Among nonelderly privately insured adults, robust Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs were associated with an increase from 14.8% to 15.4% (4% relative increase, p=0.02) in the rate of ending long-term opioid therapy with ≥60 daily morphine milligram equivalents. For older Medicare Advantage enrollees, strongly robust Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs were associated with a reduction from 4.8% to 4.3% (10.4%, p=0.01) and from 3.0% to 2.4% (17.3%, p=0.001) in the rate of ending long-term opioid therapy with ≥90 and 120 daily morphine milligram equivalents, respectively. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs robustness was not associated with clinically meaningful changes in the rate of discontinuing long-term opioid therapy without tapering. CONCLUSIONS Discontinuation without tapering was the norm for long-term opioid therapies in the samples throughout the study years. Findings do not support the notion that policies aimed at enhancing Prescription Drug Monitoring Program use were associated with substantial increases in abrupt long-term opioid therapy discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Wen
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Phyllis Johnson
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Philip J Jeng
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lisa R Witkin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Division of Pain Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Sean Nicholson
- Department of Policy Analysis and Management, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Underwood N, Cremer L, Cance JD, Williams J, Guy GP, Zule W. The impact of community-level prevention strategies on high-dose opioid dispensing rates: 2014-2019. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 227:108988. [PMID: 34508978 PMCID: PMC10975555 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription opioids played a major role in the current opioid overdose epidemic. High rates of opioid prescribing and dispensing exposed many people to opioids, and high-dose opioid prescriptions (e.g., 90 morphine milligram equivalents [MME] per day) contributed to increases in opioid overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention for States (PfS) program provided funding to jurisdictions ("PfS recipients") with a high burden of opioid-involved overdoses. This paper examines associations between strategies addressing high-dose opioid prescribing and changes in high-dose opioid dispensing. METHODS Monthly opioid dispensing data (2014-2019) from IQVIA Xponent were analyzed using longitudinal growth models (LGM) to compare high-dose opioid dispensing rates in the 29 jurisdictions that participated in PfS with rates in non-PfS jurisdictions. Additional models examined associations between specific PfS activities and changes in high-dose dispensing among PfS recipients. RESULTS High-dose dispensing rates decreased significantly in both PfS and non-PfS jurisdictions from 2014 to 2019. Rates of high-dose opioid dispensing rates in PfS jurisdictions were not significantly different than those in non-PfS jurisdictions (p = 0.07). Among PfS recipients, multiple activities were associated with decreases in high-dose dispensing rates over time, including moving towards real-time prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) reporting (p < 0.001) and implementation of opioid dispensing interventions for insurers/ health systems (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High-dose opioid dispensing rates decreased throughout the United States from 2014-2019. As the drug epidemic continues to evolve, implementation of prevention activities by state and local partners is important. These findings highlight two potential prevention strategies and activities that jurisdictions can utilize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Underwood
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Laura Cremer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Gery P Guy
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William Zule
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Zhang H, Kilaru AS, Meisel ZF, Bao Y. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Mandates and Opioids Dispensed Following Emergency Department Encounters for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease or Cancer With Bone Metastasis. JAMA 2021; 326:274-276. [PMID: 34125882 PMCID: PMC8204257 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.10161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the association between prescription drug monitoring program mandates and changes in opioids dispensed to patients with sickle cell disease or cancer with bone metastasis who presented to the emergency department in 29 US states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Austin S. Kilaru
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Zachary F. Meisel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Yuhua Bao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Ball SJ, Simpson K, Zhang J, Marsden J, Heidari K, Moran WP, Mauldin PD, McCauley JL. High-Risk Opioid Prescribing Trends: Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data From 2010 to 2018. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:379-384. [PMID: 32956292 PMCID: PMC7940459 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deaths due to opioids have continued to increase in South Carolina, with 816 opioid-involved overdose deaths reported in 2018, a 9% increase from the prior year. The objective of the current study is to examine longitudinal trends (quarter [Q] 1 2010 through Q4 2018) of opioid prescribing volume and high-risk opioid prescribing behaviors in South Carolina using comprehensive dispensing data available in the South Carolina Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (SC PDMP). DESIGN Retrospective analyses of SC PDMP data were performed using general linear models to assess quarterly time trends and change in rate of each outcome Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. PARTICIPANTS Opioid analgesic prescription fills from SC state residents between Q1 2010 and Q4 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES High-risk prescribing behaviors included (1) opioid prescribing rate; (2) percentage of patients receiving opioids dispensed 90 or more average morphine milligram equivalents daily; (3) percentage of opioid prescribed days with overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions; (4) rate per 100 000 residents of multiple provider episodes; and (5) percentage of patients prescribed extended release opioids who were opioid naive. RESULTS A total of 33 027 461 opioid prescriptions were filled by SC state residents within the time period of Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. A 41% decrease in the quarterly prescribing rate of opioids occurred from Q1 2010 to Q4 2018. The decrease in overall opioid prescribing was mirrored by significant decreases in all 4 high-risk prescribing behaviors. CONCLUSION PDMPs may represent the most complete data regarding the dispensing of opioid prescriptions and as such be valuable tools to inform and monitor the supply of licit opioids. Our results indicate that public health policy, legislative action, and multiple clinical interventions aimed at reducing high rates of opioid prescribing across the health care ecosystem appear to be succeeding in the state of South Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Ball
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kit Simpson
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - William P. Moran
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick D. Mauldin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jenna L. McCauley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Shreffler J, Shaw I, Berrones A, Huecker M. Prescription History Before Opioid Overdose Death: PDMP Data and Responsible Prescribing. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:385-392. [PMID: 32810066 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the opioid epidemic continues, state legislatures and clinicians increasingly utilize Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). These programs record dates prescribed and filled for all controlled substances, attempting to identify high-risk prescribing. The aims of this study were to (i) examine data from individuals who died of accidental opioid overdose and (ii) compare differences between those with prescriptions documented in Kentucky's PDMP with individuals without recorded prescriptions. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational cohort study conducted in Jefferson County, Kentucky. We reviewed records for all opioid overdose death subjects from 2017 and 2018, cross-referencing with prescriptions in Kentucky's PDMP (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System [KASPER]) back to 2014. We performed χ2 analyses for categorical variable comparisons and a separate univariate analysis for age. RESULTS Of the 575 individuals who died of accidental opioid overdose in Jefferson County during the study period, 379 (65.9%) had prescriptions documented in KASPER. Individuals had a high prevalence of fentanyl on postmortem toxicology. Only one individual had postmortem toxicology positive for buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Several subjects experienced what we termed see-saw MOUD prescribing (prescriptions alternating between MOUD and other controlled substances including full agonists), and multiple prescriptions were apparently written and/or filled for deceased subjects. CONCLUSIONS Review of PDMP data in deceased patients can prevent unnecessary opioid prescribing and optimize clinical practice. Buprenorphine may have a protective effect in opioid dependence, but access must be consistent. Providers should be aware of see-saw MOUD prescribing and understand the effects on patient care. In response to the prescriptions filled for deceased individuals, legislators could enact a policy such as Void All Prescriptions or VAP alerts to cancel all prescriptions for individuals who have died, reducing drug diversion. It is vital that providers routinely use PDMP data along with counseling and other treatment strategies to optimize patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Shreffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (Drs Shreffler, Shaw, and Huecker); and Kentucky Office of Inspector General, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Frankfort, Kentucky (Dr Berrones)
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Gorfinkel LR, Stohl M, Greenstein E, Aharonovich E, Olfson M, Hasin D. Is Cannabis being used as a substitute for non-medical opioids by adults with problem substance use in the United States? A within-person analysis. Addiction 2021; 116:1113-1121. [PMID: 33029914 PMCID: PMC8026758 DOI: 10.1111/add.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ecological studies have suggested that Cannabis legalization might have led to a decrease in opioid overdose deaths. Such studies do not provide information about whether individuals are substituting Cannabis for opioids at different points in time. The current study assessed the magnitude of the daily association between Cannabis and opioid use in individual adults with and without pain who use non-medical opioids. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING The greater New York area and a suburban inpatient addiction program. PARTICIPANTS Adults with problem substance use who use non-medical opioids, recruited from May 2016-June 2019. The analytical sample included 13 271 days of observation among 211 participants (64% male, 41% white, 78% unmarried, 80% unemployed, mean age 43 years). MEASUREMENTS Participants completed interviewer- and self-administered computerized surveys, and then responded to an interactive voice response (IVR) system daily for the following 90 days. The main exposures, Cannabis use and pain, were defined as responding affirmatively to the IVR question: 'Did you use Cannabis yesterday?' and endorsing moderate or severe pain at baseline, respectively. The main outcome, non-medical or illicit opioid use during 90-day follow-up, was defined as responding affirmatively to IVR question: 'Did you use heroin yesterday?' or 'Did you use prescription opioids more than prescribed or without a prescription yesterday?'. FINDINGS The mean IVR completion rate was 70%. The unadjusted odds ratio (aOR) indicating same-day use of Cannabis and opioids was 2.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.54-2.59]. Controlling for demographic characteristics, recruitment method, opioid types at baseline and pain, the aOR was 1.86 (95% CI = 1.44-2.41). A test of interaction between pain and Cannabis use to determine if the association of Cannabis with opioid use differed between people with moderate-to-severe pain and less-than-moderate pain was inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS Among US adults with problem substance use who use non-medical opioids, the odds of opioid use appear to be approximately doubled on days when Cannabis is used. This relationship does not appear to differ between people with moderate or more severe pain versus less than moderate pain, suggesting that Cannabis is not being used as a substitute for illegal opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Gorfinkel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Malki Stohl
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Gupta R, Boehmer S, Giampetro D, Gupta A, DeFlitch CJ. Effect of a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:756-762. [PMID: 34125057 PMCID: PMC8202985 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2021.1.49652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our goal was to determine whether implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) altered emergency department (ED) opioid prescription rates overall and in patients of different pain severities. METHODS We conducted this single-center, retrospective review at an academic ED. The study examined patients discharged from the ED who received opioid prescriptions, before and after the state's implementation of a PDMP (August 25, 2016). The monthly rate was a ratio of the patients given ≥ 1 opioid prescription to the ED patients with a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) > 0. We performed an interrupted time series analysis on each demographic. RESULTS The overall ED opioid prescription rate decreased from 51.3% (95% confidence interval [Cl], 50.4%-52.2%) to 47.9% (95% Cl, 47.0%-48.7%). For males, this decreased from 51.1% to 46.7% (P < 0.0001), while in females it did not significantly change (51.6% to 49.7% [P = 0.0529]). For those with mild pain, the rate increased from 27.5% to 34.3% (P < 0.0001), while for those with moderate pain, it did not significantly change (42.8% to 43.5% [P = 0.5924]). For those with severe pain, the rate decreased from 66.1% to 59.6% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION We found that PDMP implementation was associated with an overall decrease in opioid prescription rates, and that patients with mild pain were prescribed opioids more often while severe pain patients were prescribed opioids less often.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Gupta
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Sue Boehmer
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Public Health Services, Division of Biostatistics, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - David Giampetro
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
| | - Anuj Gupta
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Christopher J DeFlitch
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Slovis BH, Riggio JM, Girondo M, Martino C, Babula B, Roke LM, Kairys JC. Reduction in Hospital System Opioid Prescribing for Acute Pain Through Default Prescription Preference Settings: Pre-Post Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24360. [PMID: 33851922 PMCID: PMC8082388 DOI: 10.2196/24360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The United States is in an opioid epidemic. Passive decision support in the electronic health record (EHR) through opioid prescription presets may aid in curbing opioid dependence. Objective The objective of this study is to determine whether modification of opioid prescribing presets in the EHR could change prescribing patterns for an entire hospital system. Methods We performed a quasi-experimental retrospective pre–post analysis of a 24-month period before and after modifications to our EHR’s opioid prescription presets to match Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. We included all opioid prescriptions prescribed at our institution for nonchronic pain. Our modifications to the EHR include (1) making duration of treatment for an opioid prescription mandatory, (2) adding a quick button for 3 days’ duration while removing others, and (3) setting the default quantity of all oral opioid formulations to 10 tablets. We examined the quantity in tablets, duration in days, and proportion of prescriptions greater than 90 morphine milligram equivalents/day for our hospital system, and compared these values before and after our intervention for effect. Results There were 78,246 prescriptions included in our study written on 30,975 unique patients. There was a significant reduction for all opioid prescriptions pre versus post in (1) the overall median quantity of tablets dispensed (54 [IQR 40-120] vs 42 [IQR 18-90]; P<.001), (2) median duration of treatment (10.5 days [IQR 5.0-30] vs 7.5 days [IQR 3.0-30]; P<.001), and (3) proportion of prescriptions greater than 90 morphine milligram equivalents/day (27.46% [10,704/38,976; 95% CI 27.02%-27.91%] vs 22.86% [8979/39,270; 95% CI 22.45%-23.28%]; P<.001). Conclusions Modifications of opioid prescribing presets in the EHR can improve prescribing practice patterns. Reducing duration and quantity of opioid prescriptions could reduce the risk of dependence and overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heritier Slovis
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Riggio
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Melanie Girondo
- Information Services and Technology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cara Martino
- Information Services and Technology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bracken Babula
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lindsey M Roke
- Information Services and Technology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John C Kairys
- Office of Clinical Informatics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Szymczak JE. Mandates are not magic bullets: Leveraging context, meaning and relationships to increase meaningful use of prescription monitoring programs. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 30:979-981. [PMID: 33797156 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Szymczak
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Impact of a Mandatory Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Check on Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing Rates. J Med Toxicol 2021; 17:265-270. [PMID: 33821434 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-021-00837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) exist in 49 states to guide opioid prescribing. In 40 states, clinicians must check the PDMP prior to prescribing an opioid. Data on mandated PDMP checks show mixed results on opioid prescribing. OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine the impact of the Massachusetts mandatory PDMP check on opioid prescribing for discharges from an urban tertiary emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of discharges from one ED from 7/1/2010-10/15/2018. The primary outcome was the monthly percentage of patients discharged from the ED with an opioid prescription. The intervention was Massachusetts mandating a PDMP check for all opioid prescriptions. Prescribing was compared pre- and post-mandate. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis accounted for known declining trends in opioid prescribing. RESULTS Of 273,512 ED discharges, 35,050 (12.8%) received opioid prescriptions. Mean monthly opioid prescribing decreased post-intervention from 15.1% (SD ± 3.5%) to 5.1% (SD ± 0.9%; p < 0.001). ITS showed equal pre and post-intervention slopes (-0.002, p = 0.819). A small immediate decrease occurred in prescribing around the mandated check: a 3-month level effect decrease of 0.018 (p = 0.039), 6-month level effect 0.019 (p = 0.023), and a 12-month level effect of 0.020 (p = 0.019). The 24-month level effect was not decreased. CONCLUSION Prior to the mandated PDMP check, ED opioid prescribing was declining. The mandate did not change the rate of decline but was associated with a non-sustained drop in opioid prescribing immediately following enactment.
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Wartenweiler V, Chung G, Stewart A, Wenthur C. Pharmacy stakeholder reports on ethical and logistical considerations in anti-opioid vaccine development. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:30. [PMID: 33766021 PMCID: PMC7992836 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As opioid use disorder (OUD) incidence and its associated deaths continue to persist at elevated rates, the development of novel treatment modalities is warranted. Recent strides in this therapeutic area include novel anti-opioid vaccine approaches. This work compares logistical and ethical considerations surrounding currently available interventions for opioid use disorder with an anti-opioid vaccine approach. METHODS The opinions of student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists assessing knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward current and future OUD management strategies were characterized using a staged, multi-modal research approach incorporating a focus group, pilot survey development and refinement, and final survey deployment. Survey responses were assessed using one- and two-way parametric and non-parametric analyses where appropriate, and multi-dimensional matrix profiles were compared using z-tests following an exhaustive combinatorial sum of differences calculation between items within each compared matrix. RESULTS Focus group content analysis revealed a high level of agreeableness among participants regarding anti-opioid vaccine technology and a sense of shared ownership regarding solutions to the opioid epidemic at large. Pilot survey results demonstrated subject ability to consider both pragmatic and ethical considerations related to current therapeutics and novel interventions in a single instrument, with high endurance amongst engaged subjects. Access inequality was the most concerning ethical consideration identified for anti-opioid vaccines. Support for anti-opioid vaccine implementation across various clinical scenarios was strongest for voluntary use amongst individuals in recovery, and lowest for mandatory use in at-risk individuals. CONCLUSIONS Ethical and logistical concerns surrounding anti-opioid vaccines were largely similar to those for current OUD therapeutics overall. Anti-opioid vaccines were endorsed as helpful potential additions to current OUD therapeutic approaches, particularly for voluntary use in the later stages of clinical progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Wartenweiler
- School of Pharmacy, University of WI - Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | | | - Amy Stewart
- Department of Pharmacy, UW-Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Cody Wenthur
- School of Pharmacy, University of WI - Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Hyland SJ, Brockhaus KK, Vincent WR, Spence NZ, Lucki MM, Howkins MJ, Cleary RK. Perioperative Pain Management and Opioid Stewardship: A Practical Guide. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:333. [PMID: 33809571 PMCID: PMC8001960 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical procedures are key drivers of pain development and opioid utilization globally. Various organizations have generated guidance on postoperative pain management, enhanced recovery strategies, multimodal analgesic and anesthetic techniques, and postoperative opioid prescribing. Still, comprehensive integration of these recommendations into standard practice at the institutional level remains elusive, and persistent postoperative pain and opioid use pose significant societal burdens. The multitude of guidance publications, many different healthcare providers involved in executing them, evolution of surgical technique, and complexities of perioperative care transitions all represent challenges to process improvement. This review seeks to summarize and integrate key recommendations into a "roadmap" for institutional adoption of perioperative analgesic and opioid optimization strategies. We present a brief review of applicable statistics and definitions as impetus for prioritizing both analgesia and opioid exposure in surgical quality improvement. We then review recommended modalities at each phase of perioperative care. We showcase the value of interprofessional collaboration in implementing and sustaining perioperative performance measures related to pain management and analgesic exposure, including those from the patient perspective. Surgery centers across the globe should adopt an integrated, collaborative approach to the twin goals of optimal pain management and opioid stewardship across the care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Hyland
- Department of Pharmacy, Grant Medical Center (OhioHealth), Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Kara K. Brockhaus
- Department of Pharmacy, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA;
| | | | - Nicole Z. Spence
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Michelle M. Lucki
- Department of Orthopedics, Grant Medical Center (OhioHealth), Columbus, OH 43215, USA;
| | - Michael J. Howkins
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Grant Medical Center (OhioHealth), Columbus, OH 43215, USA;
| | - Robert K. Cleary
- Department of Surgery, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA;
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50
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Carey CM, Meille G, Buchmueller TC. Provider Compliance With Kentucky’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program’s Mandate To Query Patient Opioid History. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 40:461-468. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Carey
- Colleen M. Carey is an assistant professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York
| | - Giacomo Meille
- Giacomo Meille is a PhD student in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Thomas C. Buchmueller
- Thomas C. Buchmueller is the Waldo O. Hildebrand Professor of Risk Management and Insurance at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
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