Actual situation and prescribing patterns of opioids by pain physicians in South Korea

Use of opioids for chronic intractable pain is increasing globally, and their proper use can improve patients’ quality of life. In contrast, opioid use disorders, such as abuse or addiction, caused by prescribing opioids, are a worldwide issue. This study aimed to understand current opioid prescribing patterns and pain physicians’ experiences with opioid use in South Korea. Pain physicians in 42 university hospitals in South Korea were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires regarding opioid prescriptions.全球范围内，用于慢性顽固性疼痛（chronic intractable pain）的阿片类药物（opioids）使用量持续攀升，且合理使用该类药物可有效改善患者的生活质量。与之形成对照的是，因开具阿片类药物引发的滥用、成瘾等阿片类药物使用障碍（opioid use disorders）已成为全球性公共卫生问题。本研究旨在厘清韩国当前的阿片类药物处方模式，并调研疼痛科医师在临床中使用阿片类药物的实际体验。研究人员邀请韩国42家大学医院的疼痛科医师填写了关于阿片类药物处方情况的匿名问卷。