Study Relates Characteristics of Initial Prescription Episodes and Likelihood of Long-Term Opioid Use — United States, 2006–2015
Opioid use has become a growing patient safety concern. Recent studies have documented wide variation in opioid prescribing for acute pain and a significant rate of chronic opioid use after patients receive a first prescription for an acute indication. The March 17, 2017, of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) published the findings of a retrospective medical record review study which identified risk factors for patients who remain on an opioid medication for more than 1 year following the initial prescription. The authors recommend prescribing fewer than 7 days of opioids for acute pain and adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline for opioid use to improve prescribing practices. Click here to read the full article.
The Great Plains QIN is partnering with providers, pharmacists and to reduce and monitor taking several high-risk medications which includes opioids. Click here to learn how you can partner with us to reduce opioid use in our region and to access pertinent tools and resources.