Doctors Who Stay Current on Medical Knowledge Less Likely to Overprescribe Opioids

From Addiction Professional:

“Physicians who stay current on medical knowledge are less likely to overprescribe opioids for back pain, according to a study published last week by researchers from Harvard University and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

The study, published July 1 by JAMA Open, looked at knowledge scores 10,246 mid-career general internists on the ABIM Maintenance of Certification Exam, as well as opioid prescribing practices between 2009 and 2017. During that period overall, opioids were prescribed for 21.6% of 55,387 office visits for new onset lower back pain. With new information about the scope of the opioid epidemic began to emerge from 2015 to 2017, prescribing guidelines were revised.”
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https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/ap/news/doctors-who-stay-current-medical-knowledge-less-likely-overprescribe-opioids