@article{ref1,
title="Effects of Ohio's opioid prescribing limit for the geriatric minimally injured trauma patient",
journal="American journal of surgery",
year="2019",
author="Young, Brian T. and Zolin, Samuel J. and Ferre, Alexandra and Ho, Vanessa P. and Harvey, Alexis R. and Beel, Kevin T. and Tseng, Esther S. and Conrad-Schnetz, Kristen and Claridge, Jeffrey A.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Geriatric patients, age ≥65, frequently require no operation and only short observation after injury; yet many are prescribed opioids. We reviewed geriatric opioid prescriptions following a statewide outpatient prescribing limit. <br><br>METHODS: Discharge and 30-day pain prescriptions were collected for geriatric patients managed without operation and with stays less than two midnights from May and June of 2015 through 2018. Patients were compared pre- and post-limit and with a non-geriatric cohort aged 18-64. Fall risk was also assessed. <br><br>RESULTS: We included 218 geriatric patients, 57 post-limit. Patients received fewer discharge prescriptions and lower doses following the limit. However, this trend preceded the limit. Geriatric patients received fewer opioid prescriptions but higher doses than non-geriatric patients. Fall risk was not associated with reduced prescription frequency or doses. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Opioid prescribing has decreased for geriatric patients with minor injuries. However, surgeons have not reduced dosage based on age or fall risk.<br><br>Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-9610",
doi="10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.10.041",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.10.041"
}