The Korean Journal of Pain

The Korean Pain Society (대한통증학회)
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Actual situation and prescribing patterns of opioids by pain physicians in South Korea

  • Kim, Min Jung (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Ji Yeon (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine) ;
  • Lim, Yun Hee (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Sung Jun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Jeong, Jae Hun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeong-clinic) ;
  • Choi, Hey Ran (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital) ;
  • Park, Sun Kyung (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Jeju National University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Jung Eun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Min Ki (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Jae Hun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2022.06.09
  • Accepted : 2022.09.02
  • Published : 2022.10.01
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Abstract

Background: Use of opioids for chronic intractable pain is increasing globally, and their proper use can improve patients' quality of life. In contrast, opioid use disorders, such as abuse or addiction, caused by prescribing opioids, are a worldwide issue. This study aimed to understand current opioid prescribing patterns and pain physicians' experiences with opioid use in South Korea. Methods: Pain physicians in 42 university hospitals in South Korea were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires regarding opioid prescriptions. Results: A total of 69 surveys were completed. Most pain physicians started prescribing opioids at a pain score of 7/10 and aimed to reduce pain by 50%. Most physicians (73.1%) actively explained the prescribed medications and possible side effects, and 61.2% of physicians preferred the prescription interval of 4 weeks. Immediate-release opioids were the most popular treatment for breakthrough pain (92.6%). The most common side effect encountered by physicians was constipation (43.3%), followed by nausea/vomiting (34.3%). Of the physicians, 56.5% replied that addiction and misuse prevalences were less than 5%. However, the most concerning side effect was addiction (33.0%). Conclusions: The survey results showed that the prescribing patterns of pain physicians generally followed Korean guidelines. Physicians were most interested in the safety and effectiveness of opioid prescriptions. They were most concerned about respiratory depression and abuse or addiction. A significant number of physicians agreed that the NHIS regulations needed improvement for patient convenience and safe and effective treatment, though there were pros and cons of the NHIS restrictions on prescription conditions.

Keywords

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