Opioids and driving: education gaps in advanced cancer

Anil, N; Smallwood, N; Dunn, S

Author(s): Anil, N; Smallwood, N; Dunn, S;
Details: Publication Year 2023-09,Volume 13,Issue #3,Page 315-317
Journal Title: BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Opioids may impair the ability to drive safely, particularly when first prescribed or with dose titration. We investigated whether clinicians evaluate driving status and provide opioid-related driving advice when initiating opioids among people with advanced lung cancer. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of outpatients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer seen at an Australian tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken to determine frequency of opioid prescription and documentation of driving status and education regarding driving safety while taking opioids. RESULTS: Of 1022 patients screened, 205 were commenced on opioid therapy. Forty-seven (23%) patients had driving status documented. According to medical records, education about driving safety while on opioids was provided to two (1%) patients on opioid initiation. Ten (5%) patients received opioid-related driving education at least once at follow-up appointments. The content of the education was infrequently documented, and when documented, focused on opioid side effects impacting driving. Opioid doses were often escalated at follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: According to documentation in medical records, clinicians infrequently assessed driving status on opioid initiation and rarely provided education regarding opioid-related driving risks. Further research and clearer guidance regarding opioids and driving safety in the cancer population are required.
Publisher: BMJ
Keywords: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects; *Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/chemically induced/drug therapy; Retrospective Studies; *Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy; Australia; communication; lung; quality of life; symptoms and symptom management
Department(s): Palliative Care
PubMed ID: 33722812
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002824
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-11-14 12:57:57

Last Modified: 2024-07-09 05:02:25