New research has found an increase in the dispensing of opioids
New research has found an increase in the dispensing of opioids
18 March 2024
The Auckland University study looks at records for more than 260-thousand patients who were admitted to any hospital between 2007 and 2019, after having surgery.
It found persistent use to be nine-point-one percent.
There was a significant increase in women, and people over 85-years in particular.
Researcher Hoda Fahmy says not all patients on opioids persistently need them.
She says that's why the therapy needs to be reviewed and monitored all the time - for patients having surgery and those not.
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