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Wisconsin physicians' knowledge and attitudes about opioid analgesic regulations
D E Weissman1, D E Joranson, M B Hopwood
1Division of Cancer and Blood Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Wisconsin Medical Journal
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Physician knowledge of controlled substance regulations is poor, with about half of surveyed doctors answering incorrectly. Concerns about regulatory scrutiny significantly impact opioid prescribing practices, leading many to reduce doses or refills.
Area of Science:
- Medical Law
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid prescribing is governed by controlled substance regulations.
- Physician understanding of these regulations and their impact on practice is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate physician knowledge of controlled substance regulations for opioid prescribing.
- To determine if regulatory scrutiny concerns influence prescribing practices.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study surveyed 200 physicians in Wisconsin.
- 90 (45%) completed questionnaires were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of responses regarding controlled substance regulations were incorrect.
- While regulatory scrutiny ranked low as a concern, 54% of physicians reported altering prescribing (reducing dose, refills, or drug schedule) due to these concerns.
Conclusions:
- Many physicians demonstrate inadequate knowledge of controlled substance regulations.
- Perceived regulatory scrutiny risk demonstrably alters physician opioid prescribing behavior, potentially impacting patient care.