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Patterns of opioid use for lower limb trauma patients during the first 6 months after discharge

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Alison Blackburn

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Abstract

© 2024 MA Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. Guidance recommends that prescribed opioids for acute pain should not be continued beyond the expected period of healing and may lead to long-term use if a large supply is provided or repeat prescriptions are requested. This project investigated how opioids are used by opioid-naïve trauma patients in the first 6 months following discharge from hospital. The findings indicate that patients are frequently discharged from hospital with an opioid prescription and for some this will continue beyond the recommended maximum duration of 3 months and will include dose escalation. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged opioid use, including the increased risk of accidental overdose and potential death, and be able to identify which patients are at most risk. Screening for indicators for long-term use may prove more useful than formal risk stratification tools in an acute pain population.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Blackburn A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Nursing

Year: 2024

Volume: 33

Issue: 22

Pages: 1086-1093

Online publication date: 05/12/2024

Acceptance date: 02/04/2018

ISSN (print): 0966-0461

ISSN (electronic): 2052-2819

Publisher: MA Healthcare Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2023.0009

DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.0009

PubMed id: 39639698

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