Nonmedical Opioid Use: Identify the Risks

A recent study found that 19% of patients with cancer engaged in nonmedical opioid use. In this episode of “The Vitals,” we spoke with study author Sriram Yennu, MD, MS, FAAHPM, study author and professor in the department of palliative care and rehabilitation medicine at MD Anderson. Yennu outlined the risk factors that he and his team found for opioid misuse, as well as what nurses can do to promote safer opioid use.

The following factors were independently associated with nonmedical behavior: Marital status

• SOAPP score
• Morphine equivalent daily dose
• Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale pain level

Read more: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/web-exclusives/1-in-5-patients-engage-in-nonmedical-opioid-use