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[Increasing importance of opioids in geriatrics]
1Bethanien-Krankenhaus, Geriatrisches Zentrum an der Universität Heidelberg. mschuler@bethanien-heidelberg.de
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany)
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Opioid prescriptions in geriatric care surged 1320% over ten years, increasing analgesic therapy costs and budget share. Geriatric teams need opioid management training.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Opioid prescriptions have risen significantly over the past two decades.
- There are notable concerns regarding opioid use in elderly patients.
Purpose:
- To analyze changes in analgesic therapy within a geriatric clinic over a 10-year period (1994-2003).
Summary:
- Opioid use increased by 1320% (0.72 mg/day/patient to 9.50 mg/day/patient).
- New formulations like sustained-release tilidine/naloxone and tramadol altered prescription patterns but not total consumption.
- Average daily analgesic costs rose from $0.15 to $0.46 per patient.
- Analgesics' share of the drug budget increased from 5.6% to 10.8%.
Impact:
- Opioid management training is crucial for geriatric healthcare professionals.
- Analgesics represent a substantial and growing component of the geriatric pharmacological budget.