Patient and pediatric caregiver experiences and expectations about opioid risk education and counselling

This pilot study seeks to explore patient and caregiver experiences, perceptions, and expectations about opioid risk counselling.

Semistructured interviews were conducted in Madison, WI. Inductive content analysis was used for analysis.

Adult patients and pediatric caregivers for patients prescribed opioids in the last 30 days.

Patient's experiences, perceptions, and expectations about opioid risk and safety counselling.

Two out of 16 patients were reported being counseled about risks, and only one patient was told about medication being an opioid. Respondents expressed their desire to learn about dependency and overdose risks and the fact that the medication is an opioid. While patients wanted to be educated by all healthcare providers, pharmacists were deemed most important for opioid risk counseling.

This unique study points out the need for more research, training, and resources for aligning opioid risk counselling and education with patient expectations as a patient centered effort.