Multiple opioid prescribers: A genuine quest for treatment rather than aberrant behaviour. A two-decade population-based study

摘要: Background: Accessing multiple prescribers for opioid prescription, referred to as doctor-shopping, is associated with an increased risk of overdose and fatalities. Aim: The primary aim this study was assess the probability accessing among patients dispensed prescription opioids. Method: A retrospective population-based using Monitoring Drugs Dependence system Medicines Unit (MMU) Queensland Health, Australia. We assessed odds across both -short-term (≤1 month, 2–3 months) longer-term (4–6 months ≥7 months). examined relationship between doctor visits, dose patient's residential socioeconomic status (SES). Result: Compared those prescriptions ≥7–12 months, opioids ≤1 month were more likely have visited ≥3 (adjusted ratio (aOR)) 4.06, 95% CI 4.01, 4.10, while 4–6 aOR 2.36, 2.33, 2.39 1.79, 1.74, 1.79 respectively. Patients doses ≥100 oral morphine milligram equivalent per day (MME/day) obtain from compare receiving a <20MME/day (aOR 1.90; 1.87, 1.94). obtaining decreased: 1.41; 1.38, 1.44 lowest SES compared highest SES. Conclusion: than four time be within first 30 days initiating treatment, possibly part multidisciplinary referral post-hospital discharge. High low higher prescribers.