High-risk opioid analgesic dispensing to adolescents 12-18 years old in South Carolina: 2010-2017.

PURPOSE: To evaluate "high-risk" opioid dispensing to adolescents, including daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME) above recommended amounts, the percentage of extended-release opioid prescriptions dispensed to opioid-naïve adolescents, and concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines, and to evaluate changes in those rates over time. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of one state's prescription drug monitoring program data (2010-2017), evaluating adolescents 12-18 years old dispensed opioid analgesic prescriptions. Outcomes of interest were the quarterly frequencies of the high-risk measures. We utilized generalized linear regression to determine whether the rate of the outcomes changed over time. RESULTS: The quarterly percentage of adolescents ages 12-18 years old dispensed an opioid who received ≥90 daily MME declined from 4.1% in the first quarter (Q1) of 2010 to 3.4% in the final quarter (Q4) of 2017 (p < 0.0001). The frequency of adolescents dispensed ≥50 daily MME changed little over time. In 2010, the percentage of adolescents receiving an extended-release opioid who were opioid naïve was 60.7%, declining to 50.6% by Q4 of 2017 (p > 0.10 overall change 2010-2017). The percentage of adolescent opioid days overlapping with benzodiazepine days was 1.6% in Q1 of 2010, declining to 1.1% by Q4 of 2017 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among persons 12-18 years old dispensed an opioid analgesic, receipt of ≥90 daily MME declined during the years 2010-2017, as did the percentage of adolescent opioid days that overlapped with benzodiazepines. More than half of the individuals who received extended-release opioid analgesics were identified as opioid naïve and, counter to guidelines, received products intended for opioid-tolerant individuals.

High-Risk Opioid Prescribing Trends: Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data From 2010 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: Deaths due to opioids have continued to increase in South Carolina, with 816 opioid-involved overdose deaths reported in 2018, a 9% increase from the prior year. The objective of the current study is to examine longitudinal trends (quarter [Q] 1 2010 through Q4 2018) of opioid prescribing volume and high-risk opioid prescribing behaviors in South Carolina using comprehensive dispensing data available in the South Carolina Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (SC PDMP). DESIGN: Retrospective analyses of SC PDMP data were performed using general linear models to assess quarterly time trends and change in rate of each outcome Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Opioid analgesic prescription fills from SC state residents between Q1 2010 and Q4 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: High-risk prescribing behaviors included (1) opioid prescribing rate; (2) percentage of patients receiving opioids dispensed 90 or more average morphine milligram equivalents daily; (3) percentage of opioid prescribed days with overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions; (4) rate per 100 000 residents of multiple provider episodes; and (5) percentage of patients prescribed extended release opioids who were opioid naive. RESULTS: A total of 33 027 461 opioid prescriptions were filled by SC state residents within the time period of Q1 2010 through Q4 2018. A 41% decrease in the quarterly prescribing rate of opioids occurred from Q1 2010 to Q4 2018. The decrease in overall opioid prescribing was mirrored by significant decreases in all 4 high-risk prescribing behaviors. CONCLUSION: PDMPs may represent the most complete data regarding the dispensing of opioid prescriptions and as such be valuable tools to inform and monitor the supply of licit opioids. Our results indicate that public health policy, legislative action, and multiple clinical interventions aimed at reducing high rates of opioid prescribing across the health care ecosystem appear to be succeeding in the state of South Carolina.

Effect of Payor-Mandated Review of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on Opioid Prescriber Rates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a 2016 South Carolina payor mandate to query the state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances on the rate of opioid prescribers in South Carolina. METHODS: South Carolina PDMP datasets from 2010-2017 were evaluated using interrupted time series regression to compare changes in the rate of opioid prescribers before and after the 2016 mandate. The rate of opioid prescribers was defined as the number of prescribers who prescribed class II to IV opioids on any one prescription in each quarter divided by the total number of South Carolina prescribers who prescribed any one class II to IV medication. The rate of high-dose opioid prescribers was defined as the number of prescribers who prescribed ≥90-morphine milligram equivalent per day on any one prescription in each quarter divided by all of the prescribers who prescribed an opioid analgesic prescription. RESULTS: The rates of South Carolina opioid prescribers decreased from 75% in 2010 to 60% in 2017, with no significant change in slope (P = 0.24) after the 2016 payor mandates. The rates of South Carolina high-dose opioid prescribers decreased from 40% in 2010 to 32% in 2017, with a significant decrease in slope (P < 0.001) after the payor mandate. CONCLUSIONS: The slope of the South Carolina high-dose opioid prescriber rate significantly decreased after the 2016 South Carolina payor mandate, while the slope of the South Carolina opioid prescriber rate did not. The long-term outcomes related to the change in opioid prescriber rates are unknown and warrant further study.

Substance Use Prevention Programming for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Mixed-Method Examination of Substance Use Perceptions and Use of Prevention Services.

BACKGROUND: Although substance use problems are highly prevalent among adolescents and emerging adults, this population does not regularly receive substance use prevention programming in their communities. Low perceived risk of substance use, which is linked to actual behavior, may contribute to low rates of engagement in community prevention efforts for substance use. To examine this, the current study used a mixed methods approach to: (1) examine the relationship between engagement in prevention education and substance use; and, (2) analyze qualitative data on education programs offered in the community to help identify strengths and gaps in prevention resources. Method: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from adolescents (age 13-18) and young adults (age 19-25) living in the Southeast, recruited from local schools and community events to participate in a preventive intervention focused on prevention of HIV, substance use, and other risky behaviors. Prior to engagement in this intervention, self-report questionnaires were completed by adolescents assessing: substance use, perceived risk, and engagement in substance use education classes. Focus groups were also conducted with adolescents recruited from a local high school and young adults recruited from local colleges to obtain additional information about engagement in education programs. Results: Regarding perceived risk, 71.8% of adolescents reported moderate to great risk in having five or more drinks once or twice a week and 43% of adolescents reported moderate to great risk in smoking cannabis once or twice a week. Forty-four percent of adolescents had talked to one of their parents about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, or drug use in the past year. Further, 18% of adolescents had been to a class or program on prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse in the past month and 50.7% had heard, read, or watched an advertisement about prevention of substance use in the past year. Qualitative results Eight overarching themes, each with its own sub-themes, emerged from the participant's responses during the focus groups. Each is described below with representative quotes provided throughout for illustrative purposes. Conclusions: Findings revealed several gaps in resources identified by adolescents and young adults that are needed to adequately address substance use, which provide important next steps for substance use prevention among youth.

The effect of targeted insurer-mandated prescription monitoring on opioid prescribing patterns.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a mandate from 2 large insurers in South Carolina for mandatory review of the state's prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) for controlled substance (CS) prescriptions for more than 5 days' supply on the proportion of opioid prescriptions for less than or equal to 5 days in a statewide adult population. In addition, changes in the mean morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day for prescriptions for 5 days or less were described to evaluate prescribing changes. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All prescriptions for opioids written for and filled by adults (≥ 18 years of age) and reported to the PDMP from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017, were included in an interrupted time series analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: An interrupted time series analysis was performed to determine if there was a significant change in the proportion of opioid prescriptions for less than or equal to 5 days' supply. RESULTS: Overall opioid prescriptions decreased over the time period by 11.5%, including a decreasing rate of opioid prescriptions for less than or equal to 5 days' supply. There was no statistical difference in the slope between the pre- and postmandate cohorts (P = 0.077, r2 = 0.951). There was not an identified corresponding increase in the MME per day of prescriptions. CONCLUSION: Our analysis found that 2 major insurer mandates that occurred in South Carolina in 2016, which required a review of the state PDMP for CS prescriptions for more than 5 days' supply, did not have a significant impact on the proportion of opioid prescriptions for less than or equal to 5 days' supply in the statewide population. In addition, we did not find any concern that prescribers attempted to circumvent the requirement by inappropriately adjusting dosing instructions.

Training experiences regarding pain management, addiction, and drug diversion of dentists enrolled in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe dentists' training experiences relevant to pain management, addiction, and prescription opioid drug diversion and examine associations between these training experiences and dentists' opioid prescribing practices. Methods: A Web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing dentist members of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN; N = 822). The survey assessed pain management prescribing practices and training experiences related to pain management and assessment for addiction and drug diversion. Survey data were linked with National Dental PBRN Enrollment Questionnaire data regarding practitioner demographics and practice characteristics. Results: The majority of dentists (67%) reported prior training in pain management; however, a minority of dentists reported prior training regarding identification and assessment of drug abuse or addiction (48%) or identification of prescription drug diversion (25%). The majority of training experiences across all topics occurred through continuing dental education participation. Dental school training relevant to pain management, addiction, and identification of drug diversion was more prevalent among more recent dental school graduates. Training experiences were associated with prescribing practices. Conclusions: Results suggest that across multiple levels of training, many dentists are not receiving training specific to addiction assessment and identification of drug diversion. Such training is associated with greater consistency of risk mitigation implementation in practice.

Adolescent Substance Use Following a Deadly U.S. Tornado Outbreak: A Population-Based Study of 2,000 Families.

Despite conceptual links between disaster exposure and substance use, few studies have examined prevalence and risk factors for adolescent substance use and abuse in large, population-based samples affected by a recent natural disaster. We addressed this gap using a novel address-based sampling methodology to interview adolescents and parents who were affected by the 4th deadliest tornado outbreak in U.S. HISTORY: Postdisaster interviews were conducted with 2,000 adolescent-parent dyads living within a 5-mile radius of the spring 2011 U.S. tornadoes. In addition to descriptive analyses to estimate prevalence, hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine a range of protective and risk factors for substance use and abuse. Approximately 3% reported substance abuse since the tornado. Greater number of prior traumatic events and older age emerged as consistent risk factors across tobacco and alcohol use and substance abuse since the tornado. Tornado incident characteristics, namely, greater loss of services and resources after the tornado and posttraumatic stress disorder since the tornado, were associated with greater alcohol consumption. Service loss increased risk for binge drinking, whereas, for substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder increased risk and parent presence during the tornado decreased risk. Greater family tornado exposure was associated with a greater number of cigarettes smoked in female but not male teen participants. Both trauma and non-trauma-related factors are relevant to postdisaster substance abuse among adolescents. Future research should examine the role of broader ecological systems in heightening or curtailing substance use risk for adolescents following disaster exposure.

Dental opioid prescribing practices and risk mitigation strategy implementation: Identification of potential targets for provider-level intervention.

BACKGROUND: Given the regular use of immediate-release opioids for dental pain management, as well as documented opioid misuse among dental patients, the dental visit may provide a viable point of intervention to screen, identify, and educate patients regarding the risks associated with prescription opioid misuse and diversion. The aims of this statewide survey of dental practitioners were to assess (a) awareness of the scope of prescription opioid misuse and diversion; (b) current opioid prescribing practices; (c) use of and opinions regarding risk mitigation strategies; and (d) use and perceived utility of drug monitoring programs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed dentists (N = 87) participating in statewide professional and alumni organizations. Dentists were invited via e-mail and listserv announcement to participate in a one-time, online, 59-item, self-administered survey. RESULTS: A majority of respondents reported prescribing opioids (n = 66; 75.8%). A minority of respondents (n = 38; 44%) reported regularly screening for current prescription drug abuse. Dentists reported low rates of requesting prior medical records (n = 5; 5.8%). Only 38% (n = 33) of respondents had ever accessed a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), and only 4 (4.7%) consistently used a PDMP. Dentists reporting prior training in drug diversion were significantly more likely to have accessed their PDMP, P < .01. Interest in continuing education regarding assessment of prescription drug abuse/diversion and use of drug monitoring programs was high. CONCLUSIONS: Although most dentists received training related to prescribing opioids, findings identified a gap in existing dental training in the assessment/identification of prescription opioid misuse and diversion. Findings also identified gaps in the implementation of recommended risk mitigation strategies, including screening for prescription drug abuse, consistent provision of patient education, and use of a PDMP prior to prescribing opioids.

Clinician Perspectives on Treating Adolescents with Co-occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use, and Other Problems.

Clinicians (n=138) who treat adolescents with co-occurring posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders (PTSD+SUD) were surveyed about their attitudes and practice behaviors. Most providers were trained in PTSD treatment; fewer were trained in SUD or PTSD+SUD treatments. PTSD+SUD treatment was rated more difficult than treatment of other diagnoses. Providers typically addressed symptoms of PTSD and SUD separately and sequentially, rather than with integrated approaches. There was no consensus about which clinical strategies to use with adolescent PTSD+SUD. Continued treatment development, training, and dissemination efforts are needed to equip providers with resources to deliver effective treatments to adolescents with PTSD+SUD.

Prevalence and predictors of PTSD and depression among adolescent victims of the Spring 2011 tornado outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Relatively few studies have examined prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive episode (MDE) in disaster-affected adolescents. Fewer still have administered diagnostic measures or studied samples exposed to tornadoes, a common type of disaster. Further, methodologic problems limit the generalizability of previous findings. This study addressed prevalence estimates and risk factors for PTSD and MDE among adolescents exposed to the Spring 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama and Joplin, Missouri. METHODS: A large (N = 2000), population-based sample of adolescents and caregivers, recruited randomly from tornado-affected communities, participated in structured telephone interviews. PTSD and MDE prevalence were estimated for the overall sample, by gender, and by age. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for PTSD and MDE. RESULTS: Overall, 6.7% of adolescents met diagnostic criteria for PTSD and 7.5% of adolescents met diagnostic criteria for MDE since the tornado. Girls were significantly more likely than boys to meet diagnostic criteria for MDE, and older adolescents were more likely than younger adolescents to report MDE since the tornado. Female gender, prior trauma exposure, and an injured family member were associated with greater risk for PTSD and MDE. Specific incident characteristics (loss of services, concern about others' safety) were associated with greater PTSD risk; prior disaster exposure was associated with lower MDE risk. CONCLUSIONS: However, most adolescents were resilient following tornado exposure, roughly 1 in 15 developed PTSD, 1 in 13 developed MDE, and many more endorsed subclinical mental health problems. Information regarding specific risk factors can guide early screening, prevention, and intervention efforts in disaster-affected communities.

The associations between loss and posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms followingHurricane Ike.

UNLABELLED: Disasters can have wide-ranging effects on individuals and their communities. Loss of specific resources (e.g., household contents, job) following a disaster has not been well studied, despite the implications for preparedness efforts and postdisaster interventions. OBJECTIVE: To provide information about the effects of loss on postdisaster distress, the present study assessed associations between disaster-related variables, including the loss of specific resources, and postdisaster distress. METHOD: Random-digit dialing methodology was used to recruit hurricane-affected adults from Galveston and Chambers, TX, counties one year after Hurricane Ike. Data from 1,249 survivors were analyzed to identify predictors of distress. RESULTS: Variables that were significantly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms included sustained losses, hurricane exposure, and sociodemographic characteristics; similar results were obtained for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings suggest risk factors that may be associated with the development of posthurricane distress that can inform preparedness efforts and posthurricane interventions.

Characterization of peer support services for substance use disorders in 11 US emergency departments in 2020: findings from a NIDA clinical trials network site selection process.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency departments (ED) are incorporating Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) to help with patient care for substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite rapid growth in this area, little is published regarding workflow, expectations of the peer role, and core components of the PSS intervention. This study describes these elements in a national sample of ED-based peer support intervention programs. METHODS: A survey was conducted to assess PSS site characteristics as part of site selection process for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) evaluating PSS effectiveness, Surveys were distributed to clinical sites affiliated with the 16 CTN nodes. Surveys were completed by a representative(s) of the site and collected data on the PSS role in the ED including details regarding funding and certification, services rendered, role in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and naloxone distribution, and factors impacting implementation and maintenance of ED PSS programs. Quantitative data was summarized with descriptive statistics. Free-text fields were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11 surveys were completed, collected from 9 different states. ED PSS funding was from grants (55%), hospital funds (46%), peer recovery organizations (27%) or other (18%). Funding was anticipated to continue for a mean of 16 months (range 12 to 36 months). The majority of programs provided "general recovery support (81%) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services (55%), and assisted with naloxone distribution to ED patients (64%). A minority assisted with ED-initiated buprenorphine (EDIB) programs (27%). Most (91%) provided services to patients after they were discharged from the ED. Barriers to implementation included lack of outpatient referral sources, barriers to initiating MOUD, stigma at the clinician and system level, and lack of ongoing PSS availability due to short-term grant funding. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ED-based PSSs were funded through time-limited grants, and short-term grant funding was identified as a barrier for ED PSS programs. There was consistency among sites in the involvement of PSSs in facilitation of transitions of SUD care, coordination of follow-up after ED discharge, and PSS involvement in naloxone distribution.

Disaster impact across cultural groups: comparison of Whites, African Americans, and Latinos.

The current study extends knowledge regarding the differential impact of natural disasters among White, African American, and Latino survivors of Hurricane Ike through its use of a large, regional sample recruited via representative sampling procedures to examine the associations between cultural identification and disaster impact, including loss, damage, and negative mental health outcomes. Consistent with previous research, results indicated disparities between cultural groups with regard to disaster exposure. Additionally, type of disaster impact was differentially associated with PTSD and depression status dependent on cultural group. Specifically, the extent of personal disaster exposure, property damage, and loss of services made significant contributions to PTSD status among White survivors. African-Americans were more likely than White and Latino Ike survivors to endorse post-disaster PTSD and depression and endorsement of depression was predicted by severity of property damage. With respect to Latino respondents, only the extent of personal disaster exposure significantly contributed to both PTSD and depression status. Implications of the current findings are discussed with regard to future disaster preparedness and response efforts and the implementation and evaluation of community-based disaster resources.

Surgical prescription opioid trajectories among state Medicaid enrollees.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate opioid use trajectories among a sample of 10,138 Medicaid patients receiving one of six index surgeries: lumbar spine, total knee arthroplasty, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colon resection, and tonsillectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Administrative claims data. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients, aged 13 years and older, with 15-month continuous Medicaid eligibility surrounding index surgery, were selected from single-state Medicaid medical and pharmacy claims data for surgeries performed between 2014 and 2017. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline comorbidities and presurgery opioid use were assessed in the 6 months prior to admission, and patients' opioid use was followed for 9 months post-discharge. Generalized linear model with log link and Poisson distribution was used to determine risk of chronic opioid use for all risk factors. Group-based trajectory models identified groups of patients with similar opioid use trajectories over the 15-month study period. RESULTS: More than one in three (37.7 percent) patients were post-surgery chronic opioid users, defined as the dichotomous outcome of filling an opioid prescription 90 or more days after surgery. Key variables associated with chronic post-surgery opioid use include presurgery opioid use, 30-day post-surgery opioid use, and comorbidities. Latent trajectory modeling grouped patients into six distinct opioid use trajectories. Associates of trajectory group membership are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the importance of surgeons setting realistic patient expectations for post-surgical opioid use, as well as the importance of coordination of post-surgical care among patients failing to fully taper off opioids within 1-3 months of surgery.

Enhanced phenotypes for identifying opioid overdose in emergency department visit electronic health record data.

Background: Accurate identification of opioid overdose (OOD) cases in electronic healthcare record (EHR) data is an important element in surveillance, empirical research, and clinical intervention. We sought to improve existing OOD electronic phenotypes by incorporating new data types beyond diagnostic codes and by applying several statistical and machine learning methods. Materials and Methods: We developed an EHR dataset of emergency department visits involving OOD cases or patients considered at risk for an OOD and ascertained true OOD status through manual chart reviews. We developed and validated prediction models using Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boost, and Elastic Net models that incorporated 717 features involving primary and second diagnoses, chief complaints, medications prescribed, vital signs, laboratory results, and procedural codes. We also developed models limited to single data types. Results: A total of 1718 records involving 1485 patients were manually reviewed; 541 (36.4%) patients had one or more OOD. Prediction performance was similar for all models; sensitivity varied from 94% to 97%; and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 98% for all methods. The primary diagnosis and chief complaint were the most important contributors to AUC performance; primary diagnoses and medication class contributed most to sensitivity; chief complaint, primary diagnosis, and vital signs were most important for specificity. Models limited to decision support data types available in real time demonstrated robust prediction performance. Conclusions: Substantial prediction performance improvements were demonstrated for identifying OODs in EHR data. Our e-phenotypes could be applied in surveillance, retrospective empirical applications, or clinical decision support systems.

Prevalence and risk of psychiatric disorders as a function of variant rape histories: results from a national survey of women.

PURPOSE: Rape is an established risk factor for mental health disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive episodes (MDE), and substance use disorders. The majority of studies have not differentiated substance-involved rape or examined comorbid diagnoses among victims. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of common trauma-related psychiatric disorders (and their comorbidity) in a national sample of women, with an emphasis on distinguishing between rape tactics. A secondary objective was to estimate the risk for psychiatric disorders among victims of variant rape tactics, in comparison to non-victims. METHODS: A nationally representative population-based sample of 3,001 non-institutionalized, civilian, English or Spanish speaking women (aged 18-86 years) participated in a structured telephone interview assessing rape history and DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, MDE, alcohol abuse (AA), and drug abuse (DA). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. RESULTS: Women with rape histories involving both substance facilitation and forcible tactics reported the highest current prevalence of PTSD (36%), MDE (36%), and AA (20%). Multivariate models demonstrated that this victim group was also at highest risk for psychiatric disorders, after controlling for demographics and childhood and multiple victimization history. Women with substance-facilitated rapes reported higher prevalence of substance abuse in comparison to women with forcible rape histories. Comorbidity between PTSD and other psychiatric disorders was higher among rape victims in comparison to non-rape victims. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers and clinicians should assess substance-facilitated rape tactics and attend to comorbidity among rape victims. Empirically supported treatments are needed to address the complex presentations observed among women with variant rape histories.

Incidence and patterns of persistent opioid use in children following appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The past 5 years have witnessed a concerted national effort to assuage the rising tide of the opioid misuse in our country. Surgical procedures often serve as the initial exposure of children to opioids, however the trajectory of use following these exposures remains unclear. We hypothesized that opioid exposure following appendectomy would increase the risk of persistent opioid use among publicly insured children. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted on South Carolina Medicaid enrollees who underwent appendectomy between January 2014 and December 2017 using administrative claims data. The primary outcome was chronic opioid use. Generalized linear models and finite mixture models were employed in analysis. RESULTS: 1789 Medicaid pediatric patients underwent appendectomy and met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 11.1 years and 40.6% were female. Most patients (94.6%) did not receive opioids prior to surgery. Opioid prescribing ≥90 days after surgery (chronic opioid use) occurred in 127 (7.1%) patients, of which 102 (80.3%) had no opioid use in the preexposure period. Risk factors for chronic opioid use included non-naïve opioid status, re-hospitalization more than 30 days following surgery, multiple opioid prescribers, age, and multiple antidepressants/antipsychotic prescriptions. Group-based trajectory analysis demonstrated four distinct post-surgical opioid use patterns: no opioid use (91.3%), later use (6.7%), slow wean (1.9%), and higher use throughout (0.4%). CONCLUSION: Opioid exposure after appendectomy may serve as a priming event for persistent opioid use in some children. Eighty percent of children who developed post-surgical persistent opioid use had not received opioids in the 90 days leading up to surgery. Several mutable and immutable factors were identified to target future efforts toward opioid minimization in this at-risk patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Enhancing research data infrastructure to address the opioid epidemic: the Opioid Overdose Network (O2-Net).

Opioid Overdose Network is an effort to generalize and adapt an existing research data network, the Accrual to Clinical Trials (ACT) Network, to support design of trials for survivors of opioid overdoses presenting to emergency departments (ED). Four institutions (Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC], Dartmouth Medical School [DMS], University of Kentucky [UK], and University of California San Diego [UCSD]) worked to adapt the ACT network. The approach that was taken to enhance the ACT network focused on 4 activities: cloning and extending the ACT infrastructure, developing an e-phenotype and corresponding registry, developing portable natural language processing tools to enhance data capture, and developing automated documentation templates to enhance extended data capture. Overall, initial results suggest that tailoring of existing multipurpose federated research networks to specific tasks is feasible; however, substantial efforts are required for coordination of the subnetwork and development of new tools for extension of available data. The initial output of the project was a new approach to decision support for the prescription of naloxone for home use in the ED, which is under further study within the network.

New chronic opioid use in Medicaid patients following cholecystectomy.

Background: Commercial insurance data show that chronic opioid use in opioid-naive patients occurs in 1.5% to 8% of patients undergoing surgical procedures, but little is known about patients with Medicaid. Methods: Opioid prescription data and medical coding data from 4,788 Medicaid patients who underwent cholecystectomy were analyzed to determine opioid use patterns. Results: A total of 54.4% of patients received opioids prior to surgery, and 38.8% continued to fill opioid prescriptions chronically; 27.1% of opioid-naive patients continued to get opioids chronically. Patients who received ≥ 50 MME/d had nearly 8 times the odds of chronic opioid use. Each additional opioid prescription filled within 30 days was associated with increased odds of chronic use (odds ratio: 1.71). Conclusion: Opioid prescriptions are common prior to cholecystectomy in Medicaid patients, and 38.8% of patients continue to receive opioid prescriptions well after surgical recovery. Even 27.1% of opioid-naive patients continued to receive opioid prescriptions chronically.

Do incident and perpetrator characteristics of elder mistreatment differ by gender of the victim? Results from the National Elder Mistreatment Study.

Perpetrator and incident characteristics were studied in regard to incidents of emotional, physical, and sexual mistreatment of older adults (age 60+) in a national sample of older men and women. Random digit dialing across geographic strata was used to compile a nationally representative sample; computer assisted telephone interviewing was used to standardize collection of demographic, mistreatment, and perpetrator and incident characteristics data. The final sample size consisted of 5,777 older adults. Approximately one in ten adults reported at least one form of mistreatment, and the majority of incidents were not reported to authorities. Perpetrators of physical mistreatment against men had more "pathological" characteristics compared to perpetrators of physical mistreatment against women. Perpetrators of physical mistreatment (compared to emotional and sexual mistreatment) also evidenced increased likelihood of legal problems, psychological treatment, substance use during incident, living with the victim, and being related to the victim. Implications for future research and social policy are discussed.