A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal looked at how opioid prescriptions in emergency departments (ED) affect patients later on. The research showed a small rise in both future opioid prescriptions and hospital admissions among those who received opioids during their ED visits.
The study analyzed data from every Alberta emergency department between 2010 and 2020. Out of over 13 million visits, about 689,000 patients—5.3%—were given an opioid prescription. While these prescriptions did not lead to an increased risk of death or overdose, patients who received opioids were more likely to need hospital care or additional opioid prescriptions within the year after their visit. Specifically, 16.4% of opioid-treated patients were admitted to the hospital compared to 15.1% of those who did not receive opioids. Similarly, 4.5% of those treated with opioids filled more prescriptions, compared to 3.3% of untreated patients.
Dr. Grant Innes, an emergency medicine professor at the University of Calgary, pointed out the pressures emergency doctors face. They must balance the need to reduce opioid prescriptions while treating patients with severe pain or those already dependent on these drugs.
The researchers indicated that, while prescribing opioids isn’t without risk, the potential harm from a single prescription is low, especially when considering the need to relieve intense pain. They noted that certain groups, like older patients or those with multiple health issues, may be at a higher risk of complications.
The authors recommend that doctors carefully assess each patient’s individual risks before prescribing opioids for acute pain. They highlighted the need for more research to understand how different opioids affect various conditions and to better inform prescribing practices.
In a commentary, Dr. Donna Reynolds emphasized that clear guidance on opioid prescribing is overdue. Filling this gap will help healthcare providers manage pain effectively while minimizing risks associated with opioid use.
This research brings attention to the complexities of treating pain in emergency settings and the ongoing need for careful, informed prescribing habits.
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Source linkAcute Pain, Hospital, Medicine, Opioids, Pain, Research
