What strategies can be used to assess the risk of opioid use?

Checking the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a vital strategy for assessing the risk of opioid use. PDMPs are state-run databases that track prescriptions of controlled substances, including opioids. By accessing this information, healthcare providers can identify patients who may be at risk for misuse due to patterns such as obtaining prescriptions from multiple providers, exceeding prescribed dosages, or having a history of repeated prescriptions in a short time frame. This data allows clinicians to make informed decisions about prescribing opioids and determine if additional interventions or assessments are necessary to manage a patient's pain while minimizing the risk of addiction and abuse.

While reviewing previous medical histories and conducting physical exams are important steps in patient care, they may not provide the most comprehensive or current overview of a patient’s opioid use. Additionally, limiting patient interactions to monthly check-ins could overlook critical information gained from ongoing assessment and dialogue, thereby failing to fully address the nuances of opioid risk assessment.