Attributes and behaviors associated with opioid seeking in the emergency department.

TitleAttributes and behaviors associated with opioid seeking in the emergency department.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsChan L, Winegard B
JournalJ Opioid Manag
Volume3
Issue5
Pagination244-8
Date Published2007 Sep-Oct
ISSN Number1551-7489
KeywordsAdult, Behavior, Data Interpretation, Statistical, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, Flank Pain, Humans, Male, Malingering, Middle Aged, Opioid-Related Disorders, Physician-Patient Relations, Retrospective Studies, Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Determine if the attributes and behaviors anecdotally thought to be indicative of drug seeking have statistical association with opioid seeking.

METHODS: Data on variables thought to be indicative of drug seeking were retrospectively extracted and compared between two patient groups seen in the Emergency Department between July 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006. Group 1 was considered to have true physical pain, and Group 2 was thought to be seeking opioids.

RESULTS: Seven variables were found to have statistical associations with opioid seeking. There was no chart documentation on absence or presence of six variables.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations were found between several variables and opioid seeking. A prospective study should be performed so that all variables of interest can be thoroughly studied and a predictive model can be developed to differentiate patients with real pain from drug seekers.
Alternate JournalJ Opioid Manag
PubMed ID18181378
Faculty Reference: 
Lisa Chan, MD