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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Lori Bodenheimer
Abstract
Since the 1990’s, the prescription rate of opioid pain medication in the United States has risen rapidly, putting the country in what is now referred to as an “opioid epidemic” or “opioid crisis”. High rates of opioid prescriptions can be attributed to their high efficacy rates, although these medications come with significant adverse effects. This brings about significant challenges for prescribers and policymakers in terms of opioid prescribing practices. Research shows that in order to combat the opioid epidemic, there is a need for reform in the current methods of safe and effective prescribing and preventing misuse. Specific points of focus include closer monitoring of opioid prescriptions and a unification of varying policies regarding opioid prescribing. A more focused education on opioid prescribing specifically for mid-level providers may be beneficial as well. Finally, a conscious effort to move away from the common practices of pain management and a shift towards other non-opioid medication options is important to educate prescribers in an attempt to change the norm of pharmacologic pain management.
Recommended Citation
Morton, Leah, "Increasing Safety Practices in Prescribing Opioid Pain Medication" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 9.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/9
Increasing Safety Practices in Prescribing Opioid Pain Medication
Since the 1990’s, the prescription rate of opioid pain medication in the United States has risen rapidly, putting the country in what is now referred to as an “opioid epidemic” or “opioid crisis”. High rates of opioid prescriptions can be attributed to their high efficacy rates, although these medications come with significant adverse effects. This brings about significant challenges for prescribers and policymakers in terms of opioid prescribing practices. Research shows that in order to combat the opioid epidemic, there is a need for reform in the current methods of safe and effective prescribing and preventing misuse. Specific points of focus include closer monitoring of opioid prescriptions and a unification of varying policies regarding opioid prescribing. A more focused education on opioid prescribing specifically for mid-level providers may be beneficial as well. Finally, a conscious effort to move away from the common practices of pain management and a shift towards other non-opioid medication options is important to educate prescribers in an attempt to change the norm of pharmacologic pain management.