Citation

Dobbin M, Liew DFL. Aust. Prescr. 2020; 43(5): 164-167.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, National Prescribing Service (Australia))

DOI

10.18773/austprescr.2020.050

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Misuse of opioid analgesics and other psychoactive medicines is a serious and increasing problem in Australia. Measures are being taken to try and prevent this progressing to a public health crisis like the opioid overdose epidemic seen in the USA. One measure is real-time prescription monitoring. This provides real-time information about the patient's supply of psychoactive medicines which have a high risk of being misused. Having identified a patient at risk, many factors may delay appropriate management or result in the patient being discharged from care. These factors include subconscious negative stereotyping, a focus on preventing 'doctor shoppers' diverting psychoactive medicines, and a fear of sanction by regulators. The Medical Board of Australia provides guidance about good practice. Patients should be treated with respect, free from bias and discrimination, and without prejudicing care because of the belief that their behaviour has contributed to their problems. © 2020 NPS MedicineWise.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; depression; public health; psychosis; mortality; chronic pain; hospitalization; drug overdose; risk factor; death; mental disease; prescription; antidepressant agent; psychiatrist; medical practice; drug intoxication; opiate; psychotropic agent; practice guideline; emergency ward; drug industry; health care personnel; hospital discharge; benzodiazepine; methadone; illicit drug; medical care; drug monitoring; Substance-related disorders; epidemic; drug traffic; Article; stereotyping; Opioid addiction; Prescription drug monitoring programs