Project Type(s):
Population Health/Implementation
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in the United States with 2.87 million emergency department visits related to TBI per year. Chronic pain is a frequent complaint following TBI, with more than half of patients reporting pain. Individuals with TBI are often prescribed opioids for pain following their injury, but unfortunately may be especially vulnerable to post-injury alcohol and drug use problems.
Despite increased opioid prescriptions and risk factors for this population, there are no clinical practice guidelines for opioid prescription following TBI and limited published research. The project seeks to address this knowledge gap by using routinely collected clinical data from several different data sources to examine when and how opioids are prescribed following TBI in a community-based population.
This complete picture of opioid prescription following TBI may reveal trends of higher opioid prescription for specific subpopulations or areas of healthcare. Through understanding the trajectory of opioid prescription following TBI, we will be able to identify the scope of the problem and the most appropriate time points for intervention. Ultimately this project will provide the foundation for new approaches to reduce opioid prescription in the clinical management of TBI.
Project Period:
January 1, 2021 — March 31, 2022
Funding Type(s):
Philanthropy
Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions
Geographic Area(s):
Washington
Practice Type(s):
Hospital
Patient Population(s):
Adults
Targeted Condition(s):
Substance use disorders/misuse, Trauma/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
