1. Prescription Opioid Misuse in Older Adult Surgical Patients: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Clinical Implications.
- Author
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Dahlem CH, Schepis TS, McCabe SE, Rank AL, Kcomt L, McCabe VV, and Voepel-Lewis T
- Subjects
- Humans, United States epidemiology, Aged, Analgesics, Opioid adverse effects, Practice Patterns, Physicians', Pain Management, Prescription Drug Misuse prevention & control, Opioid-Related Disorders drug therapy
- Abstract
Abstract: The United States and many other developed nations are in the midst of an opioid crisis, with consequent pressure on prescribers to limit opioid prescribing and reduce prescription opioid misuse. This review addresses prescription opioid misuse for older adult surgical populations. We outline the epidemiology and risk factors for persistent opioid use and misuse in older adults undergoing surgery. We also address screening tools and prescription opioid misuse prevention among vulnerable older adult surgical patients (e.g., older adults with a history of an opioid use disorder), followed by clinical management and patient education recommendations. A significant plurality of older adults engaged in prescription opioid misuse obtain opioid medication for misuse from health providers. Thus, nurses can play a critical role in identifying those older adults at a higher risk for misuse and deliver quality care while balancing the need for adequate pain management against the risk for prescription opioid misuse., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article., (Copyright © 2022 International Nurses Society on Addictions.)
- Published
- 2022
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