Opioid-related policy changes: Experiences and perspectives from people who use opioids to manage non-cancer chronic pain

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 people who use opioids to manage chronic non-cancer pain.

Results: 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. Participants sought accurate information about their medications and expressed a desire for shared decision-making in healthcare.

Discussion and conclusion: Prescription opioids can play an important role in pain management as well as social and psychological functioning for people living with non-cancer chronic pain. 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.

Keywords: analgesics; chronic pain; opioid; public health.