| Year Funded: 2011 | Budget: $64,855 | Funding Agency: WorkSafeBC |
|---|---|---|
| Title: | Early Opioid Prescriptions for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Back: Understanding Utilization Patterns, Determinants, and Impact on Work Disability | |
| Category: | Compensation, Disability Management and Return to Work | |
| Subcategory: | Compensation, Disability Management and Return to Work | |
| Keywords: | Opioids, prescription patterns, low back pain, work disability, health care utilization | |
| Link to research website: | www.iwh.on.ca | |
Issue:
The increasing use of prescription opioids over the last 20 years has become a significant source of concern for workers’ compensation systems due to their potential to cause serious adverse effects such as addiction. This is of particular concern with regards to use of opioids among workers with back pain disorders. Recent research suggests that opioids prescribed shortly after filing a claim leads to prolonged work disability.
Objectives:
The overall objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between opioid use and injured worker outcomes and determine whether opioid analgesics prescribed to workers within the first eight weeks of filing a new claim for work-related low back pain are associated with future work disability.
Anticipated Results:
It is anticipated that the research will provide a more comprehensive picture of opioid prescribing patterns experienced by claimants and an understanding of whether these patterns are likely compliant with current treatment guidelines for low back pain. The research will also provide clarity as to whether opioids are a helpful therapy for some injured workers or harmful to their recovery in comparison to other pain medications.
Investigators:
Sheilah Hogg-Johnson (Institute for Work & Health)
