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. 2018 Sep;16(5):440-442.
doi: 10.1370/afm.2285.

Opioid-Prescribing Continuity and Risky Opioid Prescriptions

Sara E Hallvik  1 , Peter Geissert  2 , Wayne Wakeland  2 , Christi Hildebran  3 , Jody Carson  3 , Nicole O'Kane  3 , Richard A Deyo  4
Affiliations

Opioid-Prescribing Continuity and Risky Opioid Prescriptions

Sara E Hallvik et al. Ann Fam Med. 2018 Sep.

Abstract

We aimed to better understand the association between opioid-prescribing continuity, risky prescribing patterns, and overdose risk. For this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with long-term opioid use, pulling data from Oregon's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), vital records, and hospital discharge registry. A continuity of care index (COCI) score was calculated for each patient, and we defined metrics to describe risky prescribing and overdose. As prescribing continuity increased, likelihood of filling risky opioid prescriptions and overdose hospitalization decreased. Prescribing continuity is an important factor associated with opioid harms and can be calculated using administrative pharmacy data.

Keywords: continuity of care; opioids; pain; prescribing continuity.

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