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The Medication Quantification Scale 4.0: An Updated Index Based on Prescribers' Perceptions of the Risk Associated
Gwenaelle De Clifford-Faugère1, Hermine Lore Nguena Nguefack1, Marimée Godbout-Parent1
1Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada.
The Journal of Pain
|October 14, 2023
Summary
The updated Medication Quantification Scale (MQS-4.0) quantifies chronic pain medication risks in Canada. This revised index, based on prescriber perceptions, shows good validity for clinical practice and research.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The Medication Quantification Scale (MQS) was developed to assess drug risks in chronic pain (CP) management.
- Previous versions were last updated in 2003, necessitating contemporary adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update, adapt to the Canadian context, and validate the MQS-4.0 for quantifying medication risks in chronic pain.
- To incorporate contemporary prescriber perceptions of medication risks.
Main Methods:
- Expert committee adaptation of the MQS for Canadian clinical practice.
- Prescriber (n=207) surveys to update risk weights for 36 medication subclasses.
- Construct validity assessment using prescription claims (n=9,122) from a public drug insurance plan.
Main Results:
- The MQS-4.0 incorporates 36 medication subclasses with updated risk weights.
- MQS-4.0 scores correlated significantly with MQS-III scores and polypharmacy indicators.
- The index demonstrated construct validity in a Canadian chronic pain population.
Conclusions:
- The MQS-4.0 is a valid, updated index for quantifying chronic pain medication risks in Canada.
- This tool can aid clinical practice and research for adult patients with chronic pain.
- Further validation with future pain specialist surveys is recommended.
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