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Nghiem VT, Larson MJ, Adams RS, Moresco N, Highland KB. Opioid Prescription Clusters Associated With Early or Unplanned Military Separation. Mil Med 2024; 189:e748-e757. [PMID: 37646783 PMCID: PMC10898939 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early/unplanned military separation in Active Component U.S. service members can result in reduced readiness during periods of high-tempo combat and increased demand for health care services within the Military Health System and Veterans Administration. Although current assessment tools leverage prescription data to determine deployment-limiting medication receipt and the need for interventions or waivers, there is a lack of understanding regarding opioid prescription patterns and subsequent early/unplanned military separation after return from deployment. As such, understanding these relationships could support future tool development and strategic resourcing. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to identify unique 12-month opioid prescription patterns and evaluate their relationship with early/unplanned military separation in Active Component service members who returned from deployment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective, IRB-approved cohort study included data from 137,654 Active Component Army service members who returned from deployment between 2007 and 2013, received a post-deployment (index) opioid prescription, and had at least 1 year of Active Component service post-opioid initiation. A k-means clustering analysis identified clusters using opioid prescription frequency, median dose, median days supply, and prescription breaks (≥30 days) over the 12-month post-initiation (monitoring) period. A generalized additive model examined whether cluster membership and additional covariates were associated with early/unplanned separation. RESULTS In addition to the single opioid prescription (38%), the cluster analysis identified five clusters: brief/moderate dose (25%), recurrent breaks (16%), brief/high dose (11%), long/few prescriptions (8%), and high prescription frequency (2%). In the generalized additive model, the probability of early/unplanned military separation was higher for the high prescription frequency cluster (74%), followed by recurrent breaks (45%), long/few prescriptions (37%), brief/moderate dose (30%), and brief/high dose (29%) clusters, relative to the single prescription (21%) cluster. The probability of early/unplanned separation was significantly higher for service members with documented substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or traumatic brain injuries during the monitoring periods. Service members assigned male were more likely to have an early/unplanned separation relative to service members assigned female. Latinx service members and service members whose race was listed as Other were less likely to experience early/unplanned separation relative to white service members. Relative to Junior Officers, Junior Enlisted and Senior Enlisted service members were more likely to experience early/unplanned separation, but Senior Officers were less likely. CONCLUSIONS Further evaluation to support the integration of longitudinal opioid prescription patterns into existing tools (e.g., a screening tool for deployment-limiting prescriptions) may enable more timely intervention and support service delivery to mitigate the probability and impact of early/unplanned separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vi T Nghiem
- Department of Anesthesiology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Mary Jo Larson
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Rachel Sayko Adams
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Natalie Moresco
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Krista B Highland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 201814, USA
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Balit J, Erlangsen A, Docherty A, Turecki G, Orri M. Association of chronic pain with suicide attempt and death by suicide: a two-sample Mendelian randomization. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02465-0. [PMID: 38366113 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02465-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Prior studies have suggested an association between chronic pain and suicidal behavior. However, evidence supporting the causal nature of this association, and the role played by depression, remain difficult to establish due to confounding. We investigated associations of chronic pain with suicide attempt and death by suicide as well as the mediating role of depression in this association using a genetically informed method strengthening causal inference. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization. Independent SNPs (N = 97) from the multisite chronic pain GWAS (NGWAS = 387,649) were used as instrumental variables to test associations of chronic pain with suicide attempt (measured from hospital records; NGWAS = 50,264) and death by suicide (measured from official death causes; NGWAS = 18,085). Indirect associations of chronic pain with suicide attempt and death by suicide via major depressive disorder (NGWAS = 173,005) were estimated. Primary analyses were supported by a range of sensitivity and outlier analyses. We found evidence supporting the contribution of chronic pain to increasing the risk of suicide attempt (OR = 1.67, CI = 1.21-2.35) and death by suicide (OR = 2.00, CI = 1.10-3.62). Associations were consistent across sensitivity analysis methods, and no evidence for outliers driving these associations was found. Through mediation analyses, we found that major depressive disorder explained a substantial proportion of the association between chronic pain and suicide attempt (proportion mediated = 39%; ORindirect association = 1.32, CI = 1.09-1.61) and death by suicide (proportion mediated = 34%; ORindirect association = 1.40, CI = 1.13-1.73). Our findings suggest that both pain management interventions and prevention of depression are likely to be effective strategies to reduce suicide risk in individuals with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Balit
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Docherty
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Orri
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Reid MC, Pillemer K. Introduction to Special Issue: Translational Research on Pain and Pain Management in Later Life. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad119. [PMID: 38094939 PMCID: PMC10714899 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Cary Reid
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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McGrath RL, Shephard S, Hemmings L, Verdon S, Parnell T. Preventing Suicide: Time to Mobilize the Physical Therapist Workforce. Phys Ther 2023; 103:pzad116. [PMID: 37622921 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Each year, approximately 700,000 people, including 46,000 Americans, die by suicide; however, many more people experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Historically, the prevention of suicide has largely been the domain of mental health professionals working within specialist mental health care settings. An issue with this approach is that many individuals who experience suicidal ideation never disclose these thoughts to a mental health professional. The nonprofessional and paraprofessional mental health movement aims to bring suicide prevention to the people who need it, rather than wait for them to seek help. The nonprofessional and paraprofessional mental health movement does so by upskilling people who are not recognized as mental health professionals but may have contact with people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this Perspective, we argue that physical therapists are well-positioned to engage in suicide prevention. For example, physical therapists working in pain management are likely to frequently encounter clients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Physical therapy is also viewed as a physical health profession, meaning that they may have contact with a broad range of populations at high risk of suicide who may be difficult to reach through traditional channels (eg, men from rural communities). Physical therapists will require training on how to provide crisis support, including how to link clients with appropriate mental health services. However, given the size of the physical therapist workforce globally, the impact of mobilizing the physical therapist workforce could be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
- Allied Health Education and Research Unit, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Shephard
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Hemmings
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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Madsen C, Korona-Bailey J, Janvrin ML, Schoenfeld AJ, Koehlmoos TP. Opioid prescribing and use in the Military Health System: a framework synthesis, FY2016-FY2021. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:1133-1137. [PMID: 37280084 PMCID: PMC10546480 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid misuse is a nationwide issue and is of particular concern with regard to military readiness. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act charges the Military Health System with greater oversight of opioid use and mitigation of misuse. METHODS We synthesized published articles using secondary analysis of TRICARE claims data, a nationally representative database of 9.6 million beneficiaries. We screened 106 articles for inclusion and identified 17 studies for data abstraction. Framework analysis was conducted, which assessed prescribing practices, patient use, and optimum length of opioid prescriptions after surgery, trauma, and common procedures, as well as factors leading to sustained prescription opioid use. RESULTS Across the studies, sustained prescription opioid use after surgery was low overall, with <1% of opioid-naïve patients still receiving opioids more than 1 year after spinal surgery or trauma. In opioid-exposed patients who had undergone spine surgery, sustained use was slightly lower than 10%. Higher rates of sustained use were associated with more severe trauma and depression, as well as with prior use and initial opioid prescriptions for low back pain or other undefined conditions. Black patients were more likely to discontinue opioid use than were White patients. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing practices are well correlated with degree of injury or intensity of intervention. Sustained prescription opioid use beyond 1 year is rare and is associated with diagnoses for which opioids are not the standard of care. More efficient coding, increased attention to clinical practice guidelines, and use of tools to predict risk of sustained prescription opioid use are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathaleen Madsen
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Jessica Korona-Bailey
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Miranda Lynn Janvrin
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Andrew J Schoenfeld
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Midboe AM, Javier SJ, Salsbury SA, Katsovich L, Burgess DJ, King HA, Taylor SL, Martino S, Mayer JM, Wallace RB, Der-Martirosian C, Kerns RD. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nonpharmacological pain management trials in military and veteran healthcare settings: an evaluation informed by implementation science. Transl Behav Med 2023; 13:601-611. [PMID: 37030012 PMCID: PMC10415731 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare and clinical research, including a suite of 11 pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs), across clinics within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD). These PCTs were designed to evaluate an array of nonpharmacological treatments and models of care for treatment of patients with pain and co-occurring conditions. The aims of the study are to (a) describe modifications to PCTs and interventions to address the evolving pandemic and (b) describe the application of implementation science methods for evaluation of those PCT modifications. The project used a two-phase, sequential, mixed-methods design. In Phase I, we captured PCT disruptions and modifications via a Research Electronic Data Capture questionnaire, using Periodic Reflections methods as a guide. In Phase II, we utilized the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) taxonomy to develop a focus group interview guide and checklist that would provide more in-depth data than Phase I. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Phase I revealed that all PCTs made between two and six trial modifications. Phase II, FRAME-guided analyses showed that the key goals for modifying interventions were increasing treatment feasibility and decreasing patient exposure to COVID-19, while preserving intervention core elements. Context (format) modifications led eight PCTs to modify parts of the interventions for virtual delivery. Content modifications added elements to enhance patient safety; tailored interventions for virtual delivery (counseling, exercise, mindfulness); and modified interventions involving manual therapies. Implementation science methods identified near-real-time disruptions and modifications to PCTs focused on pain management in veteran and military healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Midboe
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sarah J Javier
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stacie A Salsbury
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA 52803, USA
| | - Lily Katsovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Departments of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Diana J Burgess
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Heather A King
- VA HSR&D Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Stephanie L Taylor
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steve Martino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - John M Mayer
- The Vert Mooney Research (DBA US Spine & Sport Foundation), San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Robert B Wallace
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Claudia Der-Martirosian
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Departments of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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Kwon CY, Lee B. The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture on Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11070955. [PMID: 37046882 PMCID: PMC10094566 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11070955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In situations where death by suicide is a major global issue and effective prevention and management approaches are lacking, acupuncture improves some risk factors for suicide, including depression, and it has been used for a long time in clinical settings. Herein, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of suicidal behaviors. Fourteen electronic databases were searched for studies published up to 7 September 2022. Original interventional studies of acupuncture in suicide prevention were included. The primary outcome was the validated measure of suicidal ideation. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using an appropriate assessment tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, only qualitative analyses were conducted. Eight studies on manual acupuncture (50%), electro-acupuncture (37.5%), and acupressure (12.5%) were included. In particular, three studies (37.5%) used the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol to stimulate the bilateral sympathetic, Shenmen, kidney, liver, and lung auricular points. Acupuncture was effective in direct and indirect outcomes related to suicidal behavior, not only for participants with suicidal behavior, but also for those with other conditions, including depression. A decrease in salivary cortisol was the only biological indicator of acupuncture in patients with suicidal ideation. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was not optimal. In conclusion, acupuncture may reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in clinical and non-clinical populations. Owing to clinical heterogeneity, low methodological quality, and the small number of included studies, further high-quality studies should assess the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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Teets R, Nielsen A, Moonaz S, Anderson BJ, Mah DM, Walter E, Milanes M, Jyung H, Soto Cossio LE, Meissner P, McKee MD, Kligler B. Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Settings for an Underserved Population: A Feasibility Pilot Study. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2023; 12:27536130231202515. [PMID: 37779670 PMCID: PMC10540610 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231202515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Acupuncture and yoga have both been shown to be effective in chronic pain. Underrepresented populations have poorer pain outcomes with less access to effective pain care. Objective To assess the feasibility of bundling group acupuncture with yoga therapy for chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain in safety net settings. Methods This was a feasibility pilot in Bronx and Harlem primary care community health centers. Participants with chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain received acupuncture and yoga therapy over a 10-week period. Participants received 10 weekly acupuncture treatments in group setting; with Yoga therapy sessions beginning immediately following the 3rd session. Primary outcome was pain interference and pain intensity on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); Outcomes were measured at baseline, 10-week close of intervention, and 24-week follow-up. Results 93 patients were determined to be eligible and completed the baseline interview. The majority of participants were non-White and Medicaid recipients. 78 (84%) completed the intervention and 10-week survey, and 58 (62%) completed the 24-week post intervention survey. Participants received an average number of 6.5 acupuncture sessions (out of a possible 10), and 4 yoga sessions (out of a possible 8) over the 10-week intervention. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in pain at the close of the intervention and at a somewhat lesser rate, at 24-weeks post intervention. Challenges included telephone outreach and site coordination integrating acupuncture with yoga therapy. The trial also had to be stopped early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Bundling acupuncture therapy and yoga therapy is feasible for an underrepresented population with chronic pain in urban community health centers with preliminary indications of acceptability and benefit to participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Teets
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Woodstock, NY, USA
- Institute for Family Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Woodstock, NY, USA
| | - Steffany Moonaz
- Department of Clinical and Health Services Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA, USA
| | - Belinda J Anderson
- College of Health Professions, Pace University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Pacific College of Health and Science, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donna M Mah
- Pacific College of Health and Science, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eve Walter
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Woodstock, NY, USA
- Institute for Family Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hyowoun Jyung
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Woodstock, NY, USA
- Institute for Family Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Meissner
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - M Diane McKee
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, North Worcester, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Kligler
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Woodstock, NY, USA
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrative Health Coordinating Center, US Veterans Health Administration, Washington, NY, USA
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Hartz SM, Culverhouse RC, Mintz CM, Ellis MS, Kasper ZA, Cavazos-Rehg P, Grucza RA, Bierut LJ, Cicero TJ. Association between recent overdose and chronic pain among individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271379. [PMID: 36441691 PMCID: PMC9704550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain increases risk for opioid overdose among individuals with opioid use disorder. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between recent overdose and whether or not chronic pain is active. 3,577 individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder in 2017 or 2018 were surveyed regarding recent overdoses and chronic pain. Demographics from the 2017 Treatment Episode Data Set, which includes all U.S. facilities licensed or certified to provide substance use care, were used to evaluate the generalizability of the sample. χ2 tests and logistic regression models were used to compare associations between recent overdoses and chronic pain. Specifically, active chronic pain was associated with opioid overdose among people in treatment for opioid use disorder. Individuals with active chronic pain were more likely to have had a past month opioid overdose than those with no history chronic pain (adjusted OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.08, p = 0.0003). In contrast, individuals with prior chronic pain, but no symptoms in the past 30 days, had a risk of past month opioid overdose similar to those with no history of chronic pain (adjusted OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.66-1.17, p = 0.38). This suggests that the incorporation of treatment for chronic pain into treatment for opioid use disorder may reduce opioid overdoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Hartz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Culverhouse
- Department of Medicine and Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Carrie M. Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Matthew S. Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Zachary A. Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Grucza
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Theodore J. Cicero
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Non-pharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain in US Veterans Treated Within the Veterans Health Administration: Implications for Expansion in US Healthcare Systems. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3937-3946. [PMID: 35048300 PMCID: PMC8769678 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consensus guidelines recommend multimodal chronic pain treatment with increased use of non-pharmacological treatment modalities (NPM), including as first-line therapies. However, with many barriers to NPM uptake in US healthcare systems, NPM use may vary across medical care settings. Military veterans are disproportionately affected by chronic pain. Many veterans receive treatment through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), an integrated healthcare system in which specific policies promote NPM use. OBJECTIVE To examine whether veterans with chronic pain who utilize VHA healthcare were more likely to use NPM than veterans who do not utilize VHA healthcare. DESIGN Cross-sectional nationally representative study. PARTICIPANTS US military veterans (N = 2,836). MAIN MEASURES In the 2019 National Health Interview Survey, veterans were assessed for VHA treatment, chronic pain (i.e., past 3-month daily or almost daily pain), symptoms of depression and anxiety, substance use, and NPM (i.e., physical therapy, chiropractic/spinal manipulation, massage, psychotherapy, educational class/workshop, peer support groups, or yoga/tai chi). KEY RESULTS Chronic pain (45.2% vs. 26.8%) and NPM use (49.8% vs. 39.4%) were more prevalent among VHA patients than non-VHA veterans. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric symptoms, physical health indicators, and use of cigarettes or prescription opioids, VHA patients were more likely than non-VHA veterans to use any NPM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07-2.16) and multimodal NPM (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.12-2.87) than no NPM. Among veterans with chronic pain, VHA patients were more likely to use chiropractic care (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.12-3.22), educational class/workshop (aOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.35-6.73), or psychotherapy (aOR = 4.28, 95% CI = 1.69-10.87). CONCLUSIONS Among veterans with chronic pain, past-year VHA use was associated with greater likelihood of receiving NPM. These findings may suggest that the VHA is an important resource and possible facilitator of NPM. VHA policies may offer guidance for expanding use of NPM in other integrated US healthcare systems.
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Black AC, Zeliadt SB, Kerns RD, Skanderson M, Wang R, Gelman H, Douglas JH, Becker WC. Association Between Exposure to Complementary and Integrative Therapies and Opioid Analgesic Daily Dose Among Patients on Long-term Opioid Therapy. Clin J Pain 2022; 38:405-409. [PMID: 35440528 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the association between exposure to selected complementary and integrative health (CIH) modalities and the trajectory of prescribed opioid analgesic dose within a national cohort of patients receiving long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using national data from VHA electronic health records between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019, CIH use was analyzed among 57,437 patients receiving LTOT within 18 VHA facilities serving as evaluation sites of VHA's Whole Health System of Care. Using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for covariates, opioid dose was modeled as a function of time, CIH exposure, and their interaction. RESULTS Overall, 11.91% of patients on LTOT used any of the focus CIH therapies; 43.25% of those had 4 or more encounters. Patients used acupuncture, chiropractic care, and meditation modalities primarily. CIH use was associated with being female, Black, having a mental health diagnosis, obesity, pain intensity, and baseline morphine-equivalent daily dose. Mean baseline morphine-equivalent daily dose was 40.81 milligrams and dose decreased on average over time. Controlling for covariates, patients with any CIH exposure experienced 38% faster dose tapering, corresponding to a mean difference in 12-month reduction over patients not engaging in CIH of 2.88 milligrams or 7.06% of the mean starting dose. DISCUSSION Results support the role of CIH modalities in opioid tapering. The study design precludes inference about the causal effects of CIH on tapering. Analyses did not consider the trend in opioid dose before cohort entry nor the use of other nonopioid treatments for pain. Future research should address these questions and consider tapering-associated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Black
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Steven B Zeliadt
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Puget Sound
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - Robert D Kerns
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Jamie H Douglas
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Puget Sound
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - William C Becker
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Kligler B, Hyde J, Gantt C, Bokhour B. The Whole Health Transformation at the Veterans Health Administration: Moving From "What's the Matter With You?" to "What Matters to You?". Med Care 2022; 60:387-391. [PMID: 35283434 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Veterans Health Administration is undergoing a system-wide transformation to a Whole Person/Whole Health approach to care. The Whole Health model of care is described including early outcome data on utilization and effectiveness. The paper describes the first 10 years of this transformation and provides lessons learned during that process regarding large-scale system change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kligler
- Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Justeen Hyde
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston
| | - Cynthia Gantt
- Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
| | - Barbara Bokhour
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
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13
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Nielsen A, Dusek J, Taylor-Swanson L, Tick H. Acupuncture therapy as an Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategy for Comprehensive Acute Pain Care: the Academic Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper Update. PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 23:1582-1612. [PMID: 35380733 PMCID: PMC9434305 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background A crisis in pain management persists, as does the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, addiction, and diversion. Pain medicine is meeting these challenges by returning to its origins: the Bonica model of multidisciplinary pain care. The 2018 Academic Consortium White Paper detailed the historical context and magnitude of the pain crisis and the evidence base for nonpharmacologic strategies. More than 50% of chronic opioid use begins in the acute pain care setting. Acupuncture may be able to reduce this risk. Objective This article updates the evidence base for acupuncture therapy for acute pain with a review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on postsurgical/perioperative pain with opioid sparing and acute nonsurgical/trauma pain, including acute pain in the emergency department. Methods To update reviews cited in the 2018 White Paper, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for “acupuncture” and “acupuncture therapy” and “acute pain,” “surgery,” “peri-operative,” “trauma,” “emergency department,” “urgent care,” “review(s) ,” “systematic review,” “meta-analysis,” with additional manual review of titles, links, and reference lists. Results There are 22 systematic reviews, 17 with meta-analyses of acupuncture in acute pain settings, and a review for acute pain in the intensive care unit. There are additional studies of acupuncture in acute pain settings. Conclusion The majority of reviews found acupuncture therapy to be an efficacious strategy for acute pain, with potential to avoid or reduce opioid reliance. Future multicenter trials are needed to clarify the dosage and generalizability of acupuncture for acute pain in the emergency department. With an extremely low risk profile, acupuncture therapy is an important strategy in comprehensive acute pain care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey Dusek
- University Hospitals, Connor Whole Health, Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Heather Tick
- Department of Family Medicine, and Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Meerwijk EL, Adams RS, Larson MJ, Highland KB, Harris AHS. Dose of Exercise Therapy Among Active Duty Soldiers With Chronic Pain Is Associated With Lower Risk of Long-Term Adverse Outcomes After Linking to the Veterans Health Administration. Mil Med 2022; 188:usac074. [PMID: 35311994 PMCID: PMC10363012 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research in soldiers who had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan suggests that nonpharmacological treatments may be protective against adverse outcomes. However, the degree to which exercise therapy received in the U.S. Military Health System (MHS) among soldiers with chronic pain is associated with adverse outcomes after soldiers transition to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if exercise therapy received in the MHS among soldiers with chronic pain is associated with long-term adverse outcomes after military separation and enrollment into the VHA and whether this association is moderated by prescription opioid use before starting exercise therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of electronic medical records of active duty Army soldiers with documented chronic pain after an index deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan (years 2008-2014) who subsequently enrolled in the VHA (N = 93,967). Coarsened exact matching matched 37,310 soldiers who received exercise therapy and 28,947 soldiers who did not receive exercise therapy in the MHS. Weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazard models tested for differences in adverse outcomes between groups with different exercise therapy exposure vs. no exercise therapy.Exercise therapy was identified by procedure codes on ambulatory records in the MHS and expressed as the number of exercise therapy visits in 1 year after the first diagnosis with a chronic pain condition. The number of visits was then stratified into seven dose groups.The primary outcomes were weighted proportional hazards for: (1) alcohol and drug disorders, (2) suicide ideation, (3) intentional self-injury, and (4) all-cause mortality. Outcomes were determined based on ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnoses recorded in VHA healthcare records from enrollment till September 30, 2020. RESULTS Our main analysis indicated significantly lower hazard ratios (HRs) for all adverse outcomes except intentional self-injury, for soldiers with at least eight visits for exercise therapy, compared to soldiers who received no exercise therapy. In the proportional hazard model for any adverse outcome, the HR was 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.99) for soldiers with eight or nine exercise therapy visits and 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.96) for soldiers with more than nine visits. Significant exercise therapy × prior opioid prescription interactions were observed. In the group that was prescribed opioids before starting exercise therapy, significantly lower HRs were observed for soldiers with more than nine exercise therapy visits, compared to soldiers who received no exercise therapy, for alcohol and drug disorders (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.92), suicide ideation (HR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.91), and for self-injury (HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.83). CONCLUSIONS Exercise therapy should be considered in the multimodal treatment of chronic pain, especially when pain is being managed with opioids, as it may lower the risk of serious adverse outcomes associated with chronic pain and opioid use. Our findings may generalize only to those active duty soldiers with chronic pain who enroll into VHA after separating from the military.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther L Meerwijk
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Rachel Sayko Adams
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mary Jo Larson
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Krista B Highland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethe-sda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Alex H S Harris
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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15
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Responding to signals of mental and behavioral health risk in pragmatic clinical trials: Ethical obligations in a healthcare ecosystem. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 113:106651. [PMID: 34998990 PMCID: PMC8844235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethical responsibilities for monitoring and responding to signals of behavioral and mental health risk (such as suicidal ideation, opioid use disorder, or depression) in general clinical research have been described; however, pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) raise new contextual challenges. METHODS We use our experience with the PRISM (Pragmatic and Implementation Studies for the Management of Pain to Reduce Opioid Prescribing) program, which is a component of the Helping End Addiction Long-Term (HEAL) Initiative, to provide examples of research studying nonpharmacologic interventions for pain that collect sensitive data. Members of the PRISM Ethics and Regulatory Core and Patient-Centered Outcome Core Working Group discussed and refined considerations and recommendations. RESULTS PCT researchers can help identify the extent of their ethical obligations to monitor and respond to signals of potential behavioral and mental health risks by understanding and aligning stakeholder expectations; considering characteristics of the trial and study population; defining triggers, thresholds, and responsibilities for action; identifying appropriate response mechanisms and capabilities; integrating responses with health systems; and addressing privacy. Based on such an assessment, researchers should proactively identify if, when, and how a response will be triggered. Doing so necessitates that stakeholders understand their roles in managing such risks. Finally, consent forms and other study disclosures should clearly state what if any responses might be taken. CONCLUSION Early and ongoing bi-directional communication with relevant stakeholders is critical to identifying and meeting the ethical challenges for PCTs when managing and responding to behavioral and mental health data that potentially signal elevated risk to individuals.
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16
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Green BN, Dunn AS. An Essential Guide to Chiropractic in the United States Military Health System and Veterans Health Administration. JOURNAL OF CHIROPRACTIC HUMANITIES 2021; 28:35-48. [PMID: 35002576 PMCID: PMC8720651 DOI: 10.1016/j.echu.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to provide an essential overview of chiropractic services in United States military and veterans' health care systems. METHODS We reviewed literature, legislation, and policies from 1936 through September 2021 pertaining to chiropractic services in the United States military and veterans' health systems. Using these sources and our combined experience in these systems, we identified fundamental themes in the delivery of chiropractic care in the health care systems of the Department of Defense (providing health care for active duty service members) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (providing health care for veterans) in main topic areas. RESULTS We identified 7 main topic areas relevant to the 2 systems: populations served by chiropractors; health care systems; integration; utilization and supply of chiropractic care; vetting of chiropractors; roles and evaluation of chiropractors; and oversight and leadership. Key information about chiropractic care in these systems was synthesized into the main topic areas. Benefits of high-quality within-system chiropractic care to active-duty service members and veterans are presented. The assets that within-system chiropractors bring to the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs health care systems are discussed for each main topic area. CONCLUSION This article contains an essential overview of chiropractic services in the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers clarity regarding the integration of chiropractic services into these health care systems and includes a 1-page brief of talking points that may help better inform ongoing discussions of chiropractic services in these 2 different but intertwined environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart N. Green
- National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, Illinois
| | - Andrew S. Dunn
- Chiropractic Department, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Chiropractic Clinical Sciences, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, New York
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Ali J, Davis AF, Burgess DJ, Rhon DI, Vining R, Young‐McCaughan S, Green S, Kerns RD. Justice and equity in pragmatic clinical trials: Considerations for pain research within integrated health systems. Learn Health Syst 2021; 6:e10291. [PMID: 35434355 PMCID: PMC9006531 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ali
- Department of International Health Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Alison F. Davis
- Pain Management Collaboratory, Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Diana J. Burgess
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Medical Center Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Department of Medicine University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Daniel I. Rhon
- Brooke Army Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Fort Sam Houston Texas USA
| | - Robert Vining
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport Iowa USA
| | - Stacey Young‐McCaughan
- The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston Texas USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System San Antonio Texas USA
| | - Sean Green
- Pain Management Collaboratory, Department of Psychiatry Yale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Robert D. Kerns
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center West Haven Connecticut USA
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18
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Traumatic Brain Injury and Opioid Use: Additional Evidence Supporting the "Perfect Storm" of Cascading Vulnerabilities. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:303-309. [PMID: 34489381 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Cupler ZA, Daniels CJ, Anderson DR, Anderson MT, Napuli JG, Tritt ME. The chiropractor's role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of suicide: a clinical guide. THE JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION 2021; 65:137-155. [PMID: 34658386 PMCID: PMC8480373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide the practicing chiropractor foundational knowledge to enhance the understanding of relevant primary, secondary, and tertiary public health measures for suicide prevention. METHODS A descriptive literature review was performed using keywords low back pain, neck pain, psychosocial, pain, public health, suicide, suicide risk factors, and suicide prevention. English language articles pertaining to suicide prevention and the chiropractic profession were retrieved and evaluated for relevance. Additional documents from the Centers for Disease Control, Veterans Health Administration, and the World Health Organization were reviewed. Key literature from the clinical social work and clinical psychology fields were provided by authorship team subject matter experts. CONCLUSION No articles reported a position statement regarding suicide prevention specific to the chiropractic profession. Risk, modifiable, and protective factors associated with self-directed violence are important clinical considerations. A proactive approach to managing patients at-risk includes developing interprofessional and collaborative relationships with mental health care professionals.
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20
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Abdelrahman KM, Hackshaw KV. Nutritional Supplements for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. Biomedicines 2021; 9:674. [PMID: 34199290 PMCID: PMC8231824 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain affects 7-10% of the population and is often ineffectively and incompletely treated. Although the gold standard for treatment of neuropathic pain includes tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and anticonvulsants, patients suffering from neuropathic pain are increasingly turning to nonpharmacologic treatments, including nutritional supplements for analgesia. So-called "nutraceuticals" have garnered significant interest among patients seeking to self-treat their neuropathic pain with readily available supplements. The supplements most often used by patients include vitamins such as vitamin B and vitamin D, trace minerals zinc and magnesium, and herbal remedies such as curcumin and St. John's Wort. However, evidence surrounding the efficacy and mechanisms of these supplements in neuropathic pain is limited, and the scientific literature consists primarily of preclinical animal models, case studies, and small randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Further exploration into large randomized controlled trials is needed to fully inform patients and physicians on the utility of these supplements in neuropathic pain. In this review, we explore the basis behind using several nutritional supplements commonly used by patients with neuropathic pain seen in rheumatology clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin V. Hackshaw
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
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21
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Fritz JM, Davis AF, Burgess DJ, Coleman B, Cook C, Farrokhi S, Goertz C, Heapy A, Lisi AJ, McGeary DD, Rhon DI, Taylor SL, Zeliadt S, Kerns RD. Pivoting to virtual delivery for managing chronic pain with nonpharmacological treatments: implications for pragmatic research. Pain 2021; 162:1591-1596. [PMID: 33156148 PMCID: PMC8089114 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Fritz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Alison F Davis
- Pain Management Collaboratory, Department of Psychiatry (dept. affiliation for Dr. Davis) Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Diana J Burgess
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States. Dr. Burgess is now with Department of Medicine (dept. affiliation for Dr. Burgess) University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Brian Coleman
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Pain Management Collaboratory Coordinating Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Chad Cook
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shawn Farrokhi
- DoD-VA Extremity and Amputation Center of Excellence, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Christine Goertz
- Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University School of Medicine, and Core Faculty Member, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alicia Heapy
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States. Dr. Heapy is now with VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, West Haven/Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anthony J Lisi
- Department of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Research Scientist, Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Donald D McGeary
- Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Psychiatry (Dept. affiliation for Dr. McGeary) University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Daniel I Rhon
- Brooke Army Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stephanie L Taylor
- VA HSR&D, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States. Dr. McGeary is now with Departments of Medicine and Health Policy and Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven Zeliadt
- Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States. Dr. Kerns is now with VA Connecticut Healthcare System Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, West Haven, CT, United States
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22
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Adams RS, Meerwijk EL, Larson MJ, Harris AHS. Predictors of Veterans Health Administration utilization and pain persistence among soldiers treated for postdeployment chronic pain in the Military Health System. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:494. [PMID: 34030684 PMCID: PMC8145830 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06536-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain presents a significant burden for both federal health care systems designed to serve combat Veterans in the United States (i.e., the Military Health System [MHS] and Veterans Health Administration [VHA]), yet there have been few studies of Veterans with chronic pain that have integrated data from both systems of care. This study examined 1) health care utilization in VHA as an enrollee (i.e., linkage to VHA) after military separation among soldiers with postdeployment chronic pain identified in the MHS, and predictors of linkage, and 2) persistence of chronic pain among those utilizing the VHA. METHODS Observational, longitudinal study of soldiers returning from a deployment in support of the Afghanistan/Iraq conflicts in fiscal years 2008-2014. The analytic sample included 138,206 active duty soldiers for whom linkage to VHA was determined through FY2019. A Cox proportional hazards model was estimated to examine the effects of demographic characteristics, military history, and MHS clinical characteristics on time to linkage to VHA after separation from the military. Among the subpopulation of soldiers who linked to VHA, we described whether they met criteria for chronic pain in the VHA and pain management treatments received during the first year in VHA. RESULTS The majority (79%) of soldiers within the chronic pain cohort linked to VHA after military separation. Significant predictors of VHA linkage included: VHA utilization as a non-enrollee prior to military separation, separating for disability, mental health comorbidities, and being non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic. Soldiers that separated because of misconduct were less likely to link than other soldiers. Soldiers who received nonpharmacological treatments, opioids/tramadol, or mental health treatment in the MHS linked earlier to VHA than soldiers who did not receive these treatments. Among those who enrolled in VHA, during the first year after linking to the VHA, 49.7% of soldiers met criteria for persistent chronic pain in VHA. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of soldiers identified with chronic pain in the MHS utilized care within VHA after military separation. Careful coordination of pain management approaches across the MHS and VHA is required to optimize care for soldiers with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sayko Adams
- Heller School for Social Policy & Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA.
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Health Administration, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Esther L Meerwijk
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Mary Jo Larson
- Heller School for Social Policy & Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS 035, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | - Alex H S Harris
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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23
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Cupler ZA, Daniels CJ, Anderson DR, Anderson MT, Napuli JG, Tritt ME. Suicide prevention, public health, and the chiropractic profession: a call to action. Chiropr Man Therap 2021; 29:14. [PMID: 33853629 PMCID: PMC8048297 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-021-00372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a major public health concern that has wide-reaching implications on individuals, families, and society. Efforts to respond to a public health concern as a portal-of-entry provider can reduce morbidity and mortality of patients. The objective of this commentary is a call to action to initiate dialogue regarding suicide prevention and the role the chiropractic profession may play. DISCUSSION This public health burden requires doctors of chiropractic to realize current strengths and recognize contemporaneous deficiencies in clinical, research, and policy environments. With this better understanding, only then can the chiropractic profession strive to enhance knowledge and promote clinical acumen to target and mitigate suicide risk to better serve the public. CONCLUSION We implore the profession to transition from bystander to actively engaged in the culture of suicide prevention beholden to all aspects of the biopsychosocial healthcare model. The chiropractic profession's participation in suicide prevention improves the health and wellness of one's community while also impacting the broader public health arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Cupler
- Butler VA Health Care System, Butler, PA, USA.
- Institute for Clinical Research Education, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Leach RA. Full-Coverage Chiropractic in Medicare: A Proposal to Eliminate Inequities, Improve Outcomes, and Reduce Health Disparities Without Increasing Overall Program Costs. JOURNAL OF CHIROPRACTIC HUMANITIES 2020; 27:29-36. [PMID: 33324134 PMCID: PMC7729103 DOI: 10.1016/j.echu.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to discuss evidence that supports the resolution of inequities for Medicare beneficiaries who receive chiropractic care. DISCUSSION Medicare covers necessary examinations, imaging, exercise instruction, and treatments for beneficiaries with back pain when provided by medical doctors, osteopaths, and their associated support staff such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and physical therapists. However, if the same patient with back pain presents to a chiropractor, then the only service that is covered by Medicare is manipulation of the spine. Current evidence does not support this inequity in Medicare beneficiary service coverage. There is no evidence to show an increase in serious risks associated with chiropractic treatment of neck or back pain in Medicare beneficiaries. Chiropractors support national public health goals and endorse safe, evidence-based practices. Chiropractic care for Medicare beneficiaries has been associated with enhanced clinical outcomes such as faster recovery, fewer back surgeries a year later, reduced opioid-associated disability, fewer traumatic injuries and falls, and slower declines in activities of daily living and disability over time. Further evidence points to lower costs, fewer medical physician visits for low back pain, less opioid-related expense, and less back-surgery expense with chiropractic utilization. Use is lower among vulnerable populations: seniors, lower income women, and black and Hispanic beneficiaries who may be most affected by current inequities associated with the limited coverage. In this era of evidence-based and patient-centered care, beneficiaries who receive chiropractic care are very satisfied with the care they receive. CONCLUSION The current evidence suggests a need for change in US policy toward chiropractic in Medicare and support for HR 3654. Ending inequities by providing patients full coverage for chiropractic services has the potential to enhance care outcomes and reduce health disparities without increasing program costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Leach
- Corresponding author: Robert A. Leach, DC, MS, Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, 214 Russell Street, Starkville, MS 39759
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25
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Daniels CJ, Cupler ZA, Gliedt JA, Walters S, Schielke AL, Hinkeldey NA, Golley DJ, Hawk C. Manipulative and manual therapies in the management of patients with prior lumbar surgery: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2020; 42:101261. [PMID: 33276229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pain and disability may persist following lumbar spine surgery and patients may subsequently seek providers trained in manipulative and manual therapy (MMT). This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of MMT after lumbar surgery through identifying, summarizing, assessing quality, and grading the strength of available evidence. Secondarily, we synthesized the impact on medication utilization, and reports on adverse events. METHODS Databases and grey literature were searched from inception through August 2020. Article extraction consisted of principal findings, pain and function/disability, medication consumption, and adverse events. RESULTS Literature search yielded 2025 articles,117 full-text articles were screened and 51 citations met inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION There is moderate evidence to recommend neural mobilization and myofascial release after lumbar fusion, but inconclusive evidence to recommend for or against most manual therapies after most surgical interventions. The literature is primarily limited to low-level studies. More high-quality studies are needed to make recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheryl Hawk
- Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX, USA
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26
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Nielsen A, Teets R, Moonaz S, Anderson BJ, Walter E, Milanes M, Mah DM, Diane McKee M, Kligler B. Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Setting for an Underserved Population: Design and Rationale for a Feasibility Pilot. Glob Adv Health Med 2020; 9:2164956120964716. [PMID: 33150053 PMCID: PMC7580149 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120964716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is prevalent in the United States, with impact on physical and
psychological functioning as well as lost work productivity. Minority and lower
socioeconomic populations have increased prevalence of chronic pain with less
access to pain care, poorer outcomes, and higher risk of fatal opioid overdose.
Acupuncture therapy is effective in treating chronic pain conditions including
chronic low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain from
osteoarthritis. Acupuncture therapy, including group acupuncture, is feasible
and effective, and specifically so for underserved and diverse populations at
risk for health outcome disparities. Acupuncture therapy also encourages patient
engagement and activation. As chronic pain improves, there is a natural
progression to want and need to increase activity and movement recovery. Diverse
movement approaches are important for improving range of motion, maintaining
gains, strengthening, and promoting patient engagement and activation. Yoga
therapy is an active therapy with proven benefit in musculoskeletal pain
disorders and pain associated disability. The aim of this quasi-experimental
pilot feasibility trial is to test the bundling of these 2 effective care
options for chronic pain, to inform both the design for a larger randomized
pragmatic effectiveness trial as well as implementation strategies across
underserved settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ray Teets
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Institute for Family Health, New York
| | - Steffany Moonaz
- Research Department, Maryland University of Integrative Medicine, Laurel, Maryland
| | - Belinda J Anderson
- College of Health Professions, Pace University, New York.,Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.,Pacific College of Health and Science, San Diego, California and New York
| | - Eve Walter
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Institute for Family Health, New York
| | | | - Donna M Mah
- Pacific College of Health and Science, San Diego, California and New York
| | - M Diane McKee
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.,Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Kligler
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.,US Veterans Health Administration Integrative Health Coordinating Center, Washington, DC
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27
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Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. Lower levels of bodily pain increase risk for non-medical use of prescription drugs among current US reserve soldiers. Addict Behav 2020; 108:106443. [PMID: 32315933 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military populations have a higher prevalence of pain compared to their civilian counterparts and are also at increased risk for substance use. The link between clinically significant pain and substance use has been established, but it is unclear if lower levels of pain relate to risk. The goal of this inquiry was to determine if level of bodily pain was associated with increased risk of current substance use over time among a community sample of U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers. METHODS Data were drawn from an ongoing study of USAR/NG soldiers. We used generalized estimating equations to examine the longitudinal impact of baseline bodily pain level (modeled in standard deviations from the mean pain score) on current drug use (illicit and non-medical use of prescription drugs [NMUPD]) among soldiers (n = 387) over two-years. Final models controlled for baseline post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptomatology, history of deployment (yes/no), years of military service, and substance use norms. RESULTS Bodily pain was longitudinally associated with increased odds of current NMUPD (AOR: 1.49, p < .05), but not with the current use of illicit drugs (AOR: 1.18, p > .05), controlling for symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, deployment, years of service, and substance use norms. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings indicate that bodily pain is longitudinally associated with NMUPD among male soldiers, but not with illicit drugs. Significantly, our results stem from a non-clinical sample of soldiers with overall lower levels of pain. This indicates that pain may be important, even at lower levels, and underscores the importance of early non-pharmacologic interventions for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Vest
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Rachel A Hoopsick
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - D Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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