Short summary

The project will investigate whether individuals who redeem prescription on opioids have experienced one or more falls and how informed they are about the risk of falls associated with opioid use. In addition to this project, we are currently investigating, in another project, what patient characteristics opioid users, including those who experience falls, have. Patients at particular risk will be offered participation in the questionnaire.

Rationale

Opioids are used for pain management. Although opioid use is decreasing, there is still a large group of opioid users in Denmark. In 2023, 395,000 Danes filled at least one prescription for an opioid. Use of opioids is associated with an increased risk of falls, injurious falls, and fractures, which might be related to opioids causing sedation, decreased attention to the environment, and affecting the psychomotor function. A fall is a significant risk factor for death, as it can lead to serious injuries, including hip fractures and head injuries. Therefore, it is important to try to prevent falls. To initiate initiatives and measures to prevent falls, it is crucial to know which patients are at particular risk of experiencing falls and fall-related injuries. It is also relevant to understand their knowledge about the relationship between opioid use and the risk of falls. The aim of the project is to map whether individuals who fill opioid prescriptions have experienced one or more falls and how informed they are about the risk of falls associated with opioid use.

Description of the cohort

Patients who collect a prescription for an opioid will be invited directly in the counter at around 8-10 pharmacies in Denmark.

Data and biological material

Questionnaire data

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense

The Danish Network for Community Pharmacy Practice for Research and Development (NUAP), Pharmakon

Nyborg Apotek, Nyborg