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BCIRPU researchers are co-authors on a new study that describes the risk that people are likely to experience an illicit drug overdose following the prescription of opioids to treat an injury.
The study, Risk of non-medical drug overdose following prescription of opioids post-injury: A retrospective cohort study, reviewed nearly 300,000 emergency department visits in the Fraser Health region between 2012 and 2018. It is the result of a collaboration between BCIRPU, UBC, Fraser Health Authority, and the City of Surrey.
The study found that for those with no known history of opioid use, those prescribed opioids for an injury following an emergency department visit were 27% more likely to experience non-medical drug poisoning than those who were not prescribed opioids. Although the risk of a non-medical drug poisoning is increased following opioid prescription, this increase in risk was found to be lower than other contributing factors such as being younger, being male, and having lower income.
The study also examined the relationship between workplace injuries and the risk of non-medical drug poisoning. People injured on the job were 18% less likely to be prescribed opioids, and 38% less likely to suffer a non-medical drug poisoning event than people injured outside of the workplace.
The researchers recommend that careful consideration be given to prescribing opioids for pain management following injury, especially for higher risk individuals with known opioid dependence or opioid use disorder. As stressful life events, such as unmanaged pain or a traumatic injury, can have an effect on drug relapse and poisoning risk, the research team also advocates for provision of mental health supports and active monitoring of individuals.
Citation:
Read the article in Health Reports
Media Release (Fraser Health Authority)
The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit is a leader in the production and transfer of injury prevention knowledge and the integration of evidence-based injury prevention practices in the daily lives of those at risk, those who care for them, and those with a mandate for public health and safety in British Columbia.
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Email: bcinjury@bcchr.ca
