Classification of opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in opioid-naive patients as a "Never Event".
Barth RJ, Waljee JF. Classification of opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in opioid-naive patients as a "Never Event". JAMA Surg. 2020;155(7):543-544. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2020.0432.
This commentary discusses the harms of opioid overprescribing, particularly among opioid-naïve patients. The authors suggest that opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in an opioid-naïve patient undergoing surgery should be considered a “never event” and discuss strategies for appropriate prescribing by surgeons.