The POPPY Research Programme protocol: investigating opioid utilisation, costs and patterns of extramedical use in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Opioid prescribing is increasing in many countries. In Australia, there is limited research on patterns of prescribing and access, or the outcomes associated with this use. The aim of this research programme is to use national dispensing data to estimate opioid use and costs, including problematic or extramedical use in the Australian population.

Methods and analysis

In a cohort of persons dispensed at least one opioid in 2013, we will estimate monthly utilisation and costs of prescribed opioids, overall and according to individual opioid formulations and strengths. In a cohort of new opioid users, commencing therapy between 1 July 2009 and 31 December 2013, we will examine patterns of opioid use including initiation of therapy, duration of treatment and concomi

SUBMITTER: Degenhardt L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4316424 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature