Higher Amounts of Opioids Filled After Surgery Increase Risk of Serious Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite increasing numbers of older adults undergoing surgery and the known risks of opioids, little is known about the potential association between opioid prescribing and serious falls and fall-related injuries after surgery.

Objective

To determine the incidence and risk factors of serious falls and fall-related injuries after elective, outpatient surgery.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of 20% national sample of Medicare claims among beneficiaries ≥ 65 years of age with Medicare Part D claims and who underwent elective outpatient surgery from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014.

Participants

Opioid-naïve patients ≥ 65 years undergoing elective, minor, outpatient surgical procedures. The exposure was opioid prescription fills in the periop

SUBMITTER: Santosa KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7572978 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature