06 May Few Valid Tools to Identify Pain Patients Who Can Be Safely Prescribed Opioids
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Klimas
Jan Klimas, PhD, MSc
Senior Postdoctoral Fellow
BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU)
Vancouver, BC
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Some individuals prescribed opioid analgesic medications for pain develop opioid use disorder. So, much research has been conducted to develop strategies to identify patients who can be safely prescribed opioid analgesics. However, this research has not been critically reviewed through rigorous quality assessment.
This study therefore sought to identify signs, symptoms & screening tools to identify patients with pain who can be safely prescribed opioids
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: There are few valid ways to identify pain patients who can be safely prescribed opioid analgesics. The risk screening tools that are in widespread use are based on low quality studies and/or are not helpful.
Based on a single study, a history of opioid or non-opioid use disorder, a mental health diagnosis and concomitant prescription of certain psychiatric medications may increase the risk of prescription opioid addiction.
Only the absence of a mood disorder appeared useful for modestly identifying lower risk patients.
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Last Updated on May 6, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD