A systematic compilation of reports published on opioid-related problems

Matthew Butts, MD; Aminah Jatoi, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2011.0047

Authors

Matthew Butts, MD
Aminah Jatoi, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2011.0047

Keywords:

opioids, mistakes, quality, cancer

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the published literature on case reports of opioid-related problems to create a compendium that might lead to greater awareness and fewer such events.
Methods: PubMed, Ovid, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for case reports. A problem was defined as a healthcare provider’s or patient’s administration of an opioid in an unintended manner resulting in harm.
Results: From more than 2,200+ unique articles, 104 met the inclusion criteria. Fentanyl was most implicated. Problems included pump programming errors, patients’ chewing transdermal patches, and pediatric overdosing with an oral droplet dispenser. Of 105 articles, 19 focused on patients with cancer and 86 on patients without cancer.
Conclusions: This compendium of opioid-related problems might generate further discussion about how best to reduce their number and morbidity.

Author Biographies

Matthew Butts, MD

Resident, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Aminah Jatoi, MD

Professor, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

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