Opioid Knowledge and Prescribing Practices Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists EDITORIAL COMMENT

摘要

It has been estimated that 2 million Americans had a prescription opioid use disorder in 2015. More than half of those reporting prescription opioid misuse obtained the drugs through diversion of prescribed medications. Federal and state agencies, as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have published guidelines that recommend screening for nonmedical use of prescription drugs, follow suggestions to limit abuse or diversion, and educate patients on safe use, storage, and disposal. Specific contents of the published guidelines differ, but they all have in common recommendations that include tailoring prescriptions to individuals, providing the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time, counseling patients on risks and benefits, and discussing proper use, storage, and disposal of opioids with patients.