Attitudes Toward Social Issues Related to Opioid Use Among Palliative Care Physicians

Overview

Journal J Hosp Palliat Care

Date 2024 Mar 7

PMID 38449833

Authors

In Cheol Hwang

Seong Hoon Shin

Youn Seon Choi

Myung Ah Lee

DaeKyun Kim

Kyung Hee Lee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated palliative care physicians' attitudes regarding social issues related to opioid use.

Methods: An email survey was sent to 674 physicians who were members of the Korean Society for Hospice and Palliative Care (KSHPC).

Results: Data from 66 physicians were analyzed (response rate, 9.8%). About 70% of participants stated that their prescribing patterns were not influenced by social issues related to opioid use, and 90% of participants thought that additional regulations should be limited to non-cancer pain. Under the current circumstances, pain education for physicians is urgently needed, as well as increased awareness among the public. Half of the respondents identified the KSHPC as the primary organization responsible for providing pain education.

Conclusion: Palliative care physicians' prescribing patterns were not influenced by social issues related to opioid use, and these issues also should not affect cancer pain control.

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