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Butler C, Stechlinski P. Modeling Opioid Abuse: A Case Study of the Opioid Crisis in New England. Bull Math Biol 2023; 85:45. [PMID: 37088864 PMCID: PMC10122875 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01148-1] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
For the past two decades, the USA has been embroiled in a growing prescription drug epidemic. The ripples of this epidemic have been especially apparent in the state of Maine, which has fought hard to mitigate the damage caused by addiction to pharmaceutical and illicit opioids. In this study, we construct a mathematical model of the opioid epidemic incorporating novel features important to better understanding opioid abuse dynamics. These features include demographic differences in population susceptibility, general transmission expressions, and combined consideration of pharmaceutical opioid and heroin abuse. We demonstrate the usefulness of this model by calibrating it with data for the state of Maine. Model calibration is accompanied by sensitivity and uncertainty analysis to quantify potential error in parameter estimates and forecasts. The model is analyzed to determine the mechanisms most influential to the number of opioid abusers and to find effective ways of controlling opioid abuse prevalence. We found that the mechanisms most influential to the overall number of abusers in Maine are those involved in illicit pharmaceutical opioid abuse transmission. Consequently, preventative strategies that controlled for illicit transmission were more effective over alternative approaches, such as treatment. These results are presented with the hope of helping to inform public policy as to the most effective means of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole Butler
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Maine, 5752 Neville Hall, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Peter Stechlinski
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Maine, 5752 Neville Hall, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
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Siddiqui MZ, Piserchio JP, Patel M, Park J, Foster ML, Desrosiers CE, Herbert J, Nichols SD, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Examination of multiple drug arrests reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:133-140. [PMID: 35094290 PMCID: PMC11095619 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00454-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Much of the responsibility for the increasing drug overdoses in the US has been attributed to opioids but most opioid overdoses also involve another drug. The objective of this study was to identify the drugs involved in polysubstance arrests. The substances that were more likely to be found in conjunction with other substances, using the drug arrests reported to Maine's Diversion Alert Program (DAP) were examined. METHODS Single and multiple drug arrests were quantified (N = 9,216). Multiple drug arrest percentages were compared to single drug arrest percentages to create a Multiple-to-Single Ratio (MSR) specific to each drug family and each drug to identify over (MSR > 1) and under-representation (MSR < 1). RESULTS Over three-fifths (63.8%) of all arrests involved a single drug. Opioids accounted for over-half (53.5%) of single arrests, followed by stimulants (27.7%) and hallucinogens (7.7%). Similarly, nearly two-fifths (39.6%) of multiple arrests were for opioids, followed by stimulants (30.8%) and miscellaneous (13.0%). Miscellaneous psychoactive prescription substances (e.g. clonidine, gabapentin, cyclobenzaprine, hydroxyzine) had the highest (1.51) MSR of any drug family. Conversely, stimulants (0.63), opioids (0.42), and hallucinogens (0.35) were significantly underrepresented in polysubstance arrests. Carisoprodol (8.80), amitriptyline (6.34), and quetiapine (4.69) had the highest MSR. Bath-salts (0.34), methamphetamine (0.44), and oxycodone (0.54) had the lowest MSR. CONCLUSION The misuse of opioids, both alone and in conjunction with another drug, deserves continued surveillance. In addition, common prescription drugs with less appreciated misuse potential, especially carisoprodol, amitriptyline, and quetiapine, require greater attention for their ability to enhance the effects of other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaz Z Siddiqui
- University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | | | - Misha Patel
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Jino Park
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA.
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Forty Fort, PA, USA.
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Robinson A, Wilson MN, Hayden JA, Rhodes E, Campbell S, MacDougall P, Asbridge M. Health Care Provider Utilization of Prescription Monitoring Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2021; 22:1570-1582. [PMID: 33484144 PMCID: PMC8311582 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the literature on the proportion of health care providers who access and use prescription monitoring program data in their practice, as well as associated barriers to the use of such data. DESIGN We performed a systematic review using a standard systematic review method with meta-analysis and qualitative meta-summary. We included full-published peer-reviewed reports of study data, as well as theses and dissertations. METHODS We identified relevant quantitative and qualitative studies. We synthesized outcomes related to prescription monitoring program data use (i.e., ever used, frequency of use). We pooled the proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data by using random effects models, and we used meta-summary methodology to identify prescription monitoring program use barriers. RESULTS Fifty-three studies were included in our review, all from the United States. Of these, 46 reported on prescription monitoring program use and 32 reported on barriers. The pooled proportion of health care providers who had ever used prescription monitoring program data was 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.66). Common barriers to prescription monitoring program data use included time constraints and administrative burdens, low perceived value of prescription monitoring program data, and problems with prescription monitoring program system usability. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that health care providers underutilize prescription monitoring program data and that many barriers exist to prescription monitoring program data use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysia Robinson
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Maria N Wilson
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jill A Hayden
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily Rhodes
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Samuel Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Peter MacDougall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management and Peri-Operative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Grabowska W, Holden S, Wayne PM, Kilgore K. An ethnographic study of opioid use disorder in rural Maine: The problem of pain. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/qrmh.2020.9175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study was conducted to more fully understand health care providers and community leaders’ perceptions of the opioid crisis in rural Maine. In 2017, Maine continued to have one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the country, more than double the national average. I (first author) visited eight treatment centers in Maine providing support and treatment to people recovering form Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), shadowing health care providers. I also attended OUD-related meetings held with community leaders. I conducted a total of 33 semi-structured interviews with health care providers, community leaders, and NGOs in the state of Maine. Three themes emerged integrating observations with semi-structured interviews: i) Impact of emergence of new extended release opioids, their prescription patterns, and culture around them; ii) Subjectivity of pain and importance of understanding psychic injury in OUD treatment; iii) Socio-political context and perception of OUD in Maine. Our society’s perception of pain has deep historical and cultural sources that influence the way that pain has been perceived and treated in the medical setting. Resources beyond the medical environment are needed to address pain adequately.
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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Hayat A, Piper BJ. Characteristics of Dispensary Patients that Limit Alcohol after Initiating Cannabis. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 52:145-152. [PMID: 31813342 PMCID: PMC7275884 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1694199] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many patients have reported that they decrease their use of opioids after starting medical cannabis (MC) but less is known for alcohol. The objective of this exploratory study was to identify any factors which differentiate alcohol abaters from those that do not modify their alcohol use after starting MC (non-abaters). Comparisons were made to identify any demographic, dosing, or health history characteristics which differentiated alcohol abaters (N = 47) from non-abaters (N = 65). Respondents selected from among a list of 37 diseases/health conditions (e.g. diabetes, sleep disorders). Abaters and non-abaters were indistinguishable in terms of sex, age, or prior drug history. A greater percentage of abaters (59.6%) than non-abaters (40.6%, p < .05) reported using MC two or more times per day. Abaters were more likely to be employed (68.1%) than non-abaters (51.1%, p < .05). Abaters also reported having significantly more health conditions and diseases (3.3 ± 2.0) than non-abaters (2.4 ± 1.4, p < .05). This small study offers some insights into the profile of patients whose self-reported alcohol intake decreased following initiation of MC. Additional prospective or controlled research into the alcohol abatement phenomenon following MC may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assad Hayat
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509 USA
| | - Brian J. Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509 USA
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Geisinger Precision Health Center, Forty Fort, PA 18704 USA
- Neuroscience Program, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011 USA
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Smart R, Kase CA, Taylor EA, Lumsden S, Smith SR, Stein BD. Strengths and weaknesses of existing data sources to support research to address the opioids crisis. Prev Med Rep 2020; 17:101015. [PMID: 31993300 PMCID: PMC6971390 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Better opioid prescribing practices, promoting effective opioid use disorder treatment, improving naloxone access, and enhancing public health surveillance are strategies central to reducing opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Successfully advancing and evaluating these strategies requires leveraging and linking existing secondary data sources. We conducted a scoping study in Fall 2017 at RAND, including a literature search (updated in December 2018) complemented by semi-structured interviews with policymakers and researchers, to identify data sources and linking strategies commonly used in opioid studies, describe data source strengths and limitations, and highlight opportunities to use data to address high-priority public health research questions. We identified 306 articles, published between 2005 and 2018, that conducted secondary analyses of existing data to examine one or more public health strategies. Multiple secondary data sources, available at national, state, and local levels, support such research, with substantial breadth in data availability, data contents, and the data's ability to support multi-level analyses over time. Interviewees identified opportunities to expand existing capabilities through systematic enhancements, including greater support to states for creating and facilitating data use, as well as key data challenges, such as data availability lags and difficulties matching individual-level data over time or across datasets. Multiple secondary data sources exist that can be used to examine the impact of public health approaches to addressing the opioid crisis. Greater data access, improved usability for research purposes, and data element standardization can enhance their value, as can improved data availability timeliness and better data comparability across jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susan Lumsden
- Office of Health Policy, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, United States
| | - Scott R. Smith
- Office of Health Policy, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, United States
| | - Bradley D. Stein
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, United States
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Carroll JJ, Rich JD, Green TC. The More Things Change: Buprenorphine/naloxone Diversion Continues While Treatment Remains Inaccessible. J Addict Med 2019; 12:459-465. [PMID: 30095563 PMCID: PMC6214787 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Buprenorphine/naloxone, an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, is sometimes diverted for non-medical use. In Rhode Island, the prevalence of opioid use and, more recently, of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply is driving overdose fatalities, which increases the need for treatment and raises questions about the changing role of diverted medication in shaping overdose risk. METHODS This study considered data from 2 Rhode Island based studies (conducted in 2009 and 2016, respectively) of people who use illicit or diverted prescription opioids and their patterns of buprenorphine/naloxone diversion. Using targeted sampling, individuals who use opioids completed a brief questionnaire about their drug use. For the 2016 study, logistic regression was used to identify associations with recent and lifetime use of diverted medication. RESULTS A total of 128 individuals who use opioids non-medically participated in the 2016 study. Of these, 38% (n = 13) reported diverted buprenorphine/naloxone use in the past 2 months, similar to the pattern observed in 2009 (41%, n = 41). Common motivations for using diverted medication included the management of withdrawal symptoms (40%, n = 35) and self-treatment of opioid use disorder (39%, n = 34). Few reported using to "get high" (12%, n = 4). Seeking buprenorphine/naloxone treatment in the previous 12 months was positively associated with using diverted medication in the past 2 months (odds ratio = 5.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-26.5, P = 0.05). Participants of both studies reported the same barriers to care in 2009 and 2016. CONCLUSION The use of diverted/buprenorphine remains common among people who use opioids non-medically and indicates a severe shortage in treatment capacity and inaccessibility of existing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Carroll
- The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Josiah D. Rich
- The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital. 164 Summit Ave. Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Traci C. Green
- The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine. 771 Albany St, Room 1208, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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9
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Increasing heroin, cocaine, and buprenorphine arrests reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 303:109924. [PMID: 31450173 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose crisis is especially pronounced in Maine. The Diversion Alert Program (DAP) was developed to combat illicit drug use and prescription drug diversion by facilitating communication between law enforcement and health care providers with the goal of limiting drug-related harms and criminal behaviors. Our objectives in this report were to analyze 2014-2017 DAP for: (1) trends in drug arrests and, (2) differences in arrests by offense, demographics (sex and age) and by region. METHODS Drug arrests (N=8193, 31.3% female, age=33.1±9.9) reported to the DAP were examined by year, demographics, and location. RESULTS The most common substances of the 10,064 unique charges reported were heroin (N=2203, 21.9%), crack/cocaine (N=945, 16.8%), buprenorphine (N=812, 8.1%), and oxycodone (N=747, 7.4%). While the overall number of arrests reported to the DAP declined in 2017, the proportion of arrests involving opioids (heroin, buprenorphine, or fentanyl) and stimulants (cocaine/crack cocaine, or methamphetamine), increased (p<.05). Women had significantly increased involvement in arrests involving sedatives and miscellaneous pharmaceuticals (e.g. gabapentin) while men had an elevation in stimulant arrests. Heroin accounted for a lower percentage of arrests among individuals age >60 (6.6%) relative to young-adults (18-29, 22.3%, p<.0001). Older-adults had significantly more arrests than younger-adults for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and marijuana. CONCLUSION Heroin had the most arrests from 2014 to 2017. Buprenorphine, fentanyl and crack/cocaine arrests increased appreciably suggesting that improved treatment is needed to prevent further nonmedical use and overdoses. The Diversion Alert Program provided a unique data source for research, a harm-reduction tool for health care providers, and an informational resource for law enforcement.
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Simpson KJ, Moran MT, Foster ML, Shah DT, Chung DY, Nichols SD, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Descriptive, observational study of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical arrests, use, and overdoses in Maine. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027117. [PMID: 31036710 PMCID: PMC6501962 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Maine Diversion Alert Program grants healthcare providers access to law enforcement data on drug charges. The objectives of this report were to analyse variations in drug charges by demographics and examine recent trends in arrests, prescriptions of controlled substances and overdoses. DESIGN Observational. SETTING Arrests, controlled prescription medication distribution and overdoses in Maine. PARTICIPANTS Drug arrestees (n=1272) and decedents (n=2432). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Arrestees were analysed by sex and age. Substances involved in arrests were reported by schedule (I-V or non-controlled prescription) and into opioids, stimulants or other classes. Controlled substances reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration (2007-2017) were evaluated. Drug-induced deaths (2007-2017) reported to the medical examiner were examined by the substance(s) identified. RESULTS Males were more commonly arrested for stimulants and schedule II substances. More than two-thirds of arrests involved individuals under the age of 40. Individuals age >60 were elevated for oxycodone arrests. Over three-fifths (63.38%) of arrests involved schedule II-IV substances. Opioids accounted for almost half (44.6%) of arrests followed by stimulants (32.5%) and sedatives (9.1%). Arrests involving buprenorphine exceeded those for oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, tramadol and morphine, combined. Prescriptions for hydrocodone (-56.0%) and oxycodone (-46.9%) declined while buprenorphine increased (+58.1%) between 2012 and 2017. Deaths from 2007 to 2017 tripled. Acetylfentanyl and furanylfentanyl were the most common fentanyl analogues identified. CONCLUSIONS Although the overall profile of those arrested for drug crimes in 2017 involve males, age <40 and heroin, exceptions (oxycodone for older adults) were observed. Most prescription opioids are decreasing while deaths involving opioids continue to increase in Maine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Simpson
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew T Moran
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Dipam T Shah
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Y Chung
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kenneth L McCall
- Pharmacy Practice, University of New England College of Pharmacy, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
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Piper BJ, Ogden CL, Simoyan OM, Chung DY, Caggiano JF, Nichols SD, McCall KL. Trends in use of prescription stimulants in the United States and Territories, 2006 to 2016. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206100. [PMID: 30485268 PMCID: PMC6261411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimulants are considered the first-line treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the US and they are used in other indications. Stimulants are also diverted for non-medical purposes. Ethnic and regional differences in ADHD diagnosis and in stimulant use have been identified in earlier research. The objectives of this report were to examine the pharmacoepidemiological pattern of these controlled substances over the past decade and to conduct a regional analysis. METHODS Data (drug weights) reported to the US Drug Enforcement Administration's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System for four stimulants (amphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and methamphetamine) were obtained from 2006 to 2016 for Unites States/Territories. Correlations between state level use (mg/person) and Hispanic population were completed. RESULTS Amphetamine use increased 2.5 fold from 2006 to 2016 (7.9 to 20.0 tons). Methylphenidate use, at 16.5 tons in 2006, peaked in 2012 (19.4 tons) and subsequently showed a modest decline (18.6 tons in 2016). The consumption per municipality significantly increased 7.6% for amphetamine and 5.5% for lisdexamfetamine but decreased 2.7% for methylphenidate (all p < .0005) from 2015 to 2016. Pronounced regional differences were also observed. Lisdexamfetamine use in 2016 was over thirty-fold higher in the Southern US (43.8 mg/person) versus the Territories (1.4 mg/person). Amphetamine use was about one-third lower in the West (48.1 mg/person) relative to the Northeastern (75.4 mg/person, p < .05) or the Midwestern (69.9 mg/person, p ≤ .005) states. States with larger Hispanic populations had significantly lower methylphenidate (r(49) = -0.63), lisdexamfetamine (B, r(49) = -0.49), and amphetamine (r(49) = -0.43) use. CONCLUSIONS Total stimulant usage doubled in the last decade. There were dynamic changes but also regional disparities in the use of stimulant medications. Future research is needed to better understand the reasons for the sizable regional and ethnic variations in use of these controlled substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Piper
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christy L. Ogden
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Olapeju M. Simoyan
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Geisinger Marworth Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, Waverly, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel Y. Chung
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James F. Caggiano
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stephanie D. Nichols
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth L. McCall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of New England College of Pharmacy, Portland, Maine, United States of America
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Pharmacists' attitudes, knowledge, utilization, and outcomes involving prescription drug monitoring programs: A brief scoping review. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2018; 58:568-576. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Look KA, Kile M, Morgan K, Roberts A. Community pharmacies as access points for addiction treatment. Res Social Adm Pharm 2018; 15:404-409. [PMID: 29909934 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in utilizing community pharmacies to support opioid abuse prevention and addiction treatment efforts. However, it is unknown whether the placement of community pharmacies is conducive to taking on such a role. OBJECTIVE To examine the distribution of community pharmacies in Wisconsin and its relationship with the location of addiction treatment facilities and opioid-related overdose events in rural and urban areas. METHODS The total number of opioid-related overdose deaths and crude death rates per 100,000 population were determined for each county in Wisconsin. Substance abuse treatment facilities were identified in each county to estimate access to formal addiction treatment. A list of pharmacies in the state was screened to identify community pharmacies in each county. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to describe the distribution of and relationships between county-level opioid-related overdose death rates and the number of treatment facilities and community pharmacies in the state. RESULTS Wisconsin has 72 counties, of which 45 (62.5%) are classified as rural. Although the number of opioid-related overdose deaths was highly concentrated in urban areas, crude death rates per 100,000 population were similar in urban and rural areas. Rural counties were significantly less likely to have formal substance abuse treatment facilities (r = -.42, P = .00) or community pharmacies (r = -.44, P = .00) compared to urban counties. However, community pharmacies were more prevalent and more likely to be located in rural counties with higher rates of opioid-related overdose deaths than substance abuse treatment facilities. All but 1 of the 14 counties without a formal substance abuse treatment facility had access to 1 or more community pharmacies. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacies are ideally located in areas that could be used to support medication-assisted addiction treatment efforts, particularly in rural areas lacking formal substance abuse treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Look
- Social and Administrative Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, United States.
| | - Mercedes Kile
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Katie Morgan
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Andrew Roberts
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Piper BJ, Shah DT, Simoyan OM, McCall KL, Nichols SD. Trends in Medical Use of Opioids in the U.S., 2006-2016. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:652-660. [PMID: 29551331 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.S. is experiencing an opioid epidemic which is at least partially iatrogenic and fueled by both prescription and illicit misuse. This study provides a nationwide examination of opioid distribution patterns during the last decade. METHODS Data were obtained from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System for 2006-2016. Analyses include quantities of ten opioids legally dispensed nationwide by weight and converted to Morphine Milligram Equivalents. Geospatial and state-level analyses were also completed in 2017. RESULTS The total for ten opioids peaked in 2011 (389.5 metric tons Morphine Milligram Equivalents) relative to both 2006 (286.1) and 2016 (364.6). Changes in the volume of opioids by weight over the decade were agent specific. Since 2011, there were decreases in hydrocodone (-28.4%); oxymorphone (-28.0%); fentanyl (-21.4%); morphine (-18.9%); oxycodone (-13.8%); and meperidine (-58.0%) and an increase in buprenorphine (75.2%) in 2016. There were substantial inter-state variations in rates with a fivefold difference between the highest Morphine Milligram Equivalents in 2016 (Rhode Island=2,623.7 mg/person) relative to the lowest (North Dakota=484.7 mg/person). An association was identified between state median age and per capita Morphine Milligram Equivalents (r =0.49, p<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS With the exception of buprenorphine, used to treat an opioid use disorder, prescription opioid use has been decreasing over the past 5 years in the U.S. Further efforts are needed to continue to optimize the balance between appropriate opioid access for acute pain while minimizing diversion and treating opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
| | - Dipam T Shah
- Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Olapeju M Simoyan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth L McCall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of New England, Portland, Maine
| | - Stephanie D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
Medical cannabis (MC) is used for a variety of conditions including chronic pain. The goal of this report was to provide an in-depth qualitative exploration of patient perspectives on the strengths and limitations of MC. Members of MC dispensaries (N = 984) in New England including two-thirds with a history of chronic pain completed an online survey. In response to "How effective is medical cannabis in treating your symptoms or conditions?," with options of 0% "no relief" to 100% "complete relief," the average was 74.6% ± 0.6. The average amount spent on MC each year was $3064.47 ± 117.60, median = $2320.23, range = $52.14 to $52,140.00. Open-ended responses were coded into themes and subthemes. Analysis of answers to "What is it that you like most about MC?" (N = 2592 responses) identified 10 themes, including health benefits (36.0% of responses, eg, "Changes perception and experience of my chronic pain."), the product (14.2%, eg, "Knowing exactly what strain you are getting"), nonhealth benefits (14.1%), general considerations (10.3%), and medications (7.1%). Responses (N = 1678) to "What is it that you like least about MC?" identified 12 themes, including money (28.4%, eg, "The cost is expensive for someone on a fixed income"), effects (21.7%, eg, "The effects on my lungs"), the view of others (11.4%), access (8.2%), and method of administration (7.1%). These findings provide a patient-centered view on the advantages (eg, efficacy in pain treatment, reduced use of other medications) and disadvantages (eg, economic and stigma) of MC.
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Piper BJ, Suarez MJ, Piserchio JP, Shah DT, Simoyan OM, McCall KL, Desrosiers CE, Nichols SD. Illicit and prescription drug misuse as reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 285:65-71. [PMID: 29453006 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic is rapidly evolving and new tools are needed to combat drug abuse. The Maine Diversion Alert Program (DAP) is an informational resource that facilitates communication about drug arrests between the criminal justice and healthcare fields. The objectives of this report were to: (1) describe the illegal and prescription pharmaceuticals reported to the DAP; (2) determine if the drugs implicated in arrests changed from the first to latter half of 2016; (3) identify the demographic and other characteristics of arrestees; and (4) outline the strengths and limitations of the DAP for other areas considering implementing similar programs. METHODS The arrests (N=2,368, 31.4% female, mean age=33.7, SD=9.9, Min=18, Max=71.5) reported to the DAP were examined. Drugs were classified by Drug Enforcement Administration Schedule (I-V, non-controlled prescription) and into families (opioids, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, and other). A comparison between the first and second half of 2016 and arrest by county was completed. RESULTS Arrests involved 2,957 substances (drugs and paraphernalia). Most arrests (80.6%) involved a single drug. One-third (33.2%) of arrests involved illicit drugs (i.e. Schedule I) and three-fifths (59.8%) were for controlled prescription medical drugs (i.e. Schedule II-V), and a minority (6.8%) involved non-controlled prescription drugs (e.g. gabapentin, bupropion). Opioids (e.g. heroin, buprenorphine, and oxycodone) accounted for over-half (51.3%) of arrests followed by stimulants (29.0%, e.g. cocaine), and sedatives (7.6%). Arrests for oxycodone significantly decreased (51.9%) and alprazolam increased (89.3%) during 2016. Arrestees for non-controlled prescription drugs were older than arrestees for illegal drugs. Arrests, correcting for population, were most common in more urban (e.g. Androscoggin and Cumberland) counties. CONCLUSIONS Opioids (illicit and prescription) account for over half of all arrests. However, arrests for oxycodone decreased while arrests for benzodiazepines, and especially alprazolam, increased in 2016. The DAP is a novel source of information for healthcare decisions and can empirically inform law enforcement about drug misuse and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
| | - Michael J Suarez
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - John P Piserchio
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - Dipam T Shah
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
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Piper BJ, Desrosiers CE, Fisher HC, McCall KL, Nichols SD. A New Tool to Tackle the Opioid Epidemic: Description, Utility, and Results from the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Pharmacotherapy 2017; 37:791-798. [PMID: 28543168 DOI: 10.1002/phar.1952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The opioid epidemic continues to impact the United States, and new strategies are needed to combat this epidemic. The objective of this study was to analyze 2015 drug arrest data from Maine's Diversion Alert (DA) program (diversionalert.org), compare arrest data between the first quarters of 2015 and 2016, and provide an analysis of the sex differences in the arrests as well as information about DA use. STUDY DESIGN This was a population-based descriptive study using data from the Maine DA program. The study population consisted of persons arrested for prescription, nonprescription, or illicit drugs. DATA SOURCE DA database. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The DA program addresses Maine's prescription drug abuse epidemic with innovative resources that provide access to drug arrest data for health care providers to identify and respond to patients at risk for overdose, those engaged in illegal prescription drug distribution, and those who need treatment. Drug arrest data from 2015 (2723 arrests) and the first quarter of 2016 (788 arrests) were compared and analyzed. The drugs implicated in the arrests were organized by Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) schedule category and whether they were pharmaceuticals (synthesized and distributed by a pharmaceutical company) or nonpharmaceuticals (grown or synthesized in clandestine laboratories). Most arrests were for possession (64.5%) followed by trafficking (23.8%). Heroin was listed in more than three-quarters (76.4%) of the Schedule I arrests, followed by marijuana (11.7%) and "bath salts" (6.3%). Cocaine and crack cocaine were implicated in almost half (46.7%) of the Schedule II arrests, followed by oxycodone (21.0%) and methamphetamine/amphetamine (15.8%). Buprenorphine was responsible for almost all (96.7%) of the Schedule III arrests. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (34.3%), clonazepam (33.8%), diazepam (11.9%), and lorazepam (8.5%) were listed in the preponderance of the Schedule IV arrests. Arrests increased in 2016 by 49.2% for heroin (p<0.01) and 170.0% for methamphetamine (p≤0.0005) relative to 2015. Arrests for trafficking increased by 42.9% (p<0.05). Males outnumbered females 2:1 in DA. Schedule IV agents accounted for only 6.8% of arrests for males versus 11.5% for females (p≤0.0001). Conversely, Schedule I agents were implicated in 33.0% of arrests for males versus only 27.3% for females (p<0.005). CONCLUSION DA is an important tool for providing timely information for health care providers regarding individuals with a history of past misuse of psychotherapeutic agents, particularly opioids and stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania.,Neuroscience Program, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | | | - Harriet C Fisher
- Department of Government and Legal Studies, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
| | | | - Stephanie D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine.,Department of Pharmacy, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Piper BJ, DeKeuster RM, Beals ML, Cobb CM, Burchman CA, Perkinson L, Lynn ST, Nichols SD, Abess AT. Substitution of medical cannabis for pharmaceutical agents for pain, anxiety, and sleep. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:569-575. [PMID: 28372506 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117699616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A prior epidemiological study identified a reduction in opioid overdose deaths in US states that legalized medical cannabis (MC). One theory to explain this phenomenon is a potential substitution effect of MC for opioids. This study evaluated whether this substitution effect of MC for opioids also applies to other psychoactive medications. New England dispensary members ( n = 1,513) completed an online survey about their medical history and MC experiences. Among respondents that regularly used opioids, over three-quarters (76.7%) indicated that they reduced their use since they started MC. This was significantly ( p < 0.0001) greater than the patients that reduced their use of antidepressants (37.6%) or alcohol (42.0%). Approximately two-thirds of patients decreased their use of anti-anxiety (71.8%), migraine (66.7%), and sleep (65.2%) medications following MC which significantly ( p < 0.0001) exceeded the reduction in antidepressants or alcohol use. The patient's spouse, family, and other friends were more likely to know about their MC use than was their primary care provider. In conclusion, a majority of patients reported using less opioids as well as fewer medications to treat anxiety, migraines, and sleep after initiating MC. A smaller portion used less antidepressants or alcohol. Additional research is needed to corroborate these self-reported, retrospective, cross-sectional findings using other data sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA.,2 Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, ME, USA.,3 Neuroscience Program, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, USA
| | - Rebecca M DeKeuster
- 4 Wellness Connection of Maine, Gardiner, ME, USA.,12 Calyx Concepts LLC, Sidney, ME, USA
| | - Monica L Beals
- 5 Department of Psychologcal Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Catherine M Cobb
- 4 Wellness Connection of Maine, Gardiner, ME, USA.,6 Center for Wellness Leadership, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Corey A Burchman
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.,8 Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie D Nichols
- 10 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, ME, USA
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Martin SL, Desrosiers C. Diversion Alert: 1-Year Evaluation Across Northern New England, 2013-2014. Prev Chronic Dis 2016; 13:E159. [PMID: 27880633 PMCID: PMC5127172 DOI: 10.5888/pcd13.160229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes Diversion Alert, a unique online tool aimed at reducing misuse and diversion of prescription drugs, and reports the results of a 1-year evaluation of Diversion Alert’s impact in Maine. We used a quasi-experimental research design to compare survey data in Maine with those of neighboring states (New Hampshire and Vermont, 2013 and 2014). Compared with their counterparts in New Hampshire and Vermont who did not use Diversion Alert, prescribers and pharmacists in Maine who used Diversion Alert increased their communication with patients and other providers involved in their patients’ care, became aware of patients arrested for prescription drugs possession or diversion, used best practices associated with prevention or detection of addiction and diversion more frequently, and attributed positive changes in their prescribing practices to Diversion Alert. In combination with other state and federal programs, Diversion Alert may be an effective tool to help prevent the misuse of opioid medications.
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Martin SL, Baker RP, Piper BJ. Evaluation of urban-rural differences in pharmacy practice needs in Maine with the MaPPNA. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2015; 13:669. [PMID: 26759622 PMCID: PMC4696125 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2015.04.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Maine is a rural state with an aging population located in the northeastern United States. Pharmacists play an important role in serving the public’s health as they are often the most available point-of-contact within a community. Objective: To assess the current pharmacy practice needs as viewed by licensed pharmacists across our rural state, and to distinguish issues that are unique to rural pharmacy practice. Methods: An online survey was sent to all licensed pharmacists in the state in the fall of 2014 (n=1,262) to assess their pharmacy practice needs, and specify an rural-specific needs, within the categories of (1) opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion, (2) challenges associated with access to healthcare, (3) poly-pharmacy use, (4) meeting the needs of special populations, (5) lack of antibiotic stewardship, and (6) resources, such as staffing. Results: The response rate was 22.1 % (n=279). We found the most agreed upon issue facing pharmacists’ in Maine is opioid use, misuse and diversion, followed closely by shortages in staffing. We also learned that pharmacists’ view pharmaceutical care for older adults, those with low health literacy, and those with mental disabilities more time-consuming. Some urban-rural differences were discovered in with regard to the pharmacists’ views; such as the magnitude of the distance barrier, and limited transportation options available to rural residents. Issues related to polypharmacy were viewed as more problematic by pharmacists practicing in urban versus rural sites. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical care in Maine must focus on meeting the needs of the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with limited health literacy. As with the rest of the nation, opioids challenge pharmacy practice in a variety of ways. These findings clarify areas that present opportunities for pharmacists to focus more specifically on Maine’s largely rural population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Husson University . Bangor, ME ( United States ).
| | - Robert P Baker
- School of Pharmacy, Husson University. Bangor , ME ( United States ).
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