Opioid Discontinuation Rates and Frailty
Author Information
Author(s): Pritchard Kevin, Yang Chun-Ting, Chen Qiaoxi, Zhang Yichi, Wilkins James, Kim Dae Hyun, Lin Kueiyu Joshua
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Hypothesis
The severity of frailty influences the duration of opioid use following an emergent pain event.
Conclusion
Greater frailty decreases the likelihood of discontinuing opioids.
Supporting Evidence
- The 30-day discontinuation rate was 85% in the moderate/severe frail group.
- The discontinuation rate was 84% in the mildly frail group.
- The discontinuation rate was 87% in the pre-frail group.
- The discontinuation rate was 90% in the non-frail group.
- Discontinuation was less likely among those who were moderately/severely frail compared to those without frailty.
Takeaway
Older people who are frail are less likely to stop using opioids after they start, compared to those who are not frail.
Methodology
This retrospective cohort study used claims data to analyze opioid discontinuation rates among Medicare beneficiaries based on frailty severity.
Participant Demographics
Participants were fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, with an average age of 80, 77% female, and 91% White.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 83-87%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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