On 2016 Apr 03, Michael Brennan commented:

This is consistent with current guiding principles in pain management. The identification of regional variability is new and begs several new questions.

What will likely surprise many is the relatively low rate of opioid "abuse or dependence" identified. Some will claim the relatively low number as validation of opioids and as a new indication of relative safety for the prescribing of opioids. Meanwhile others will criticize process, sample or look for bias to explain number as being too low.

Regardless of ones perspective, this tool offers the next generation in patient assessment.

On 2016 Apr 03, Michael Brennan commented:

This is consistent with current guiding principles in pain management. The identification of regional variability is new and begs several new questions.

What will likely surprise many is the relatively low rate of opioid "abuse or dependence" identified. Some will claim the relatively low number as validation of opioids and as a new indication of relative safety for the prescribing of opioids. Meanwhile others will criticize process, sample or look for bias to explain number as being too low.

Regardless of ones perspective, this tool offers the next generation in patient assessment.