PPP042 - Opioids and discharge from hospital with Benita Suckling

Jane talks to Benita Suckling, a clinical pharmacist with the Opioid Stewardship Service at Redcliffe Hospital in Queensland.

We spoke about:

• A model for an opioid stewardship service, and why it is beneficial

• Risk factors for inappropriate opioid use post discharge

• Strategies to optimise pain management on discharge

SHPA members can join the Pain Management Specialty Practice stream to connect with other pharmacists working in this area.

Further reading

Scully RE et al. Defining Optimal Length of Opioid Pain Medication Prescription After Common Surgical Procedures. JAMA surgery. 2018;153(1):37-43.

Brat GA et al. Postsurgical prescriptions for opioid naive patients and association with overdose and misuse: retrospective cohort study. BMJ (Clinical research ed). 2018;360.

Dow A. A million Australians abuse prescription drugs. The Age (Melbourne). 2017 Dec 17

The Curbsiders (podcast). Episode 74: Opioid use disorder, pain, detox, tapers, health policy and more! December 22, 2017.