Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
People who use prescription opioids to manage non-cancer chronic pain are particularly vulnerable to opioid-related policy change. This study aims to better understand what prescription opioids provide this population, what concerns they have in the context of new and changing opioid policies, such as the recently implemented prescription drug monitoring program in Victoria, Australia, their experiences of prescription opioid use, chronic pain and what they would like their healthcare to look like.
Findings/Key points
Prescription opioids played an important role in supporting quality of life and mental health. However, experiences of stigma and lack of empathy from healthcare providers were common. Opioid-related policy changes to medication availability need to consider the potential impacts that reducing, limiting or discontinuing opioids may have on this population. Including the voices of people who use prescription opioids to manage non-cancer chronic pain in respectful, compassionate and meaningful ways.
Design/methods
Semi-structured interviews (n=30)
