Principal Investigator: Von Korff, Michael PhD      
PI Title: Senior Investigator
PI Department: Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative
Co-Investigator: Banta-Green, Caleb, MSW, MPH (ADAI Research Scientist)
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Categories: Clinical and Health Services | Epidemiology and Drug Abuse Trends

Health services research and epidemiologic methods will be used to understand who receives long-term opioid therapy and to assess associated risks including onset of opioid abuse and mortality. This research will be conducted in two large, non-profit health plans serving over 1% of the U.S. population. Research goals - Our goals are to advance knowledge concerning determinants and risks of long-term opioid therapy among chronic pain patients. Aim 1-Examine trends: We will describe trends in use of long-term opioid therapy in the participating health plans from 1995-2006 and determine how patient characteristics indicating clinical complexity and prior substance abuse are related to trends in long-term opioid use. Aim 2-Assess risks of opioid abuse: We will assess risk factors for opioid abuse among persons receiving long-term opioid therapy. Aim 3-Assess mortality and other adverse event risks: We will assess whether mortality and other adverse event risks are increased by long-term opioid therapy. We will extend these analyses by studying the effects of long-term opioid therapy on other adverse events including: all-cause and opioid-related hospitalization; opioid overdose; and onset of recognized mood disorder. Mr. Banta-Green’s primary role will be in the development, implementation and analysis of the interview study used to address Aim 2, risk factors for opioid abuse.

Project Staff: