Classification of opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in opioid-naive patients as a "Never Event". | PSNet

Classification of opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in opioid-naive patients as a "Never Event". | PSNet

Classification of opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in opioid-naive patients as a "Never Event".

Barth RJ, Jr., Waljee JF. JAMA Surg. 2020

This commentary discusses the harms of opioid overprescribing, particularly among opioid-naïve patients. The authors suggest that opioid dependence, abuse, or overdose in an opioid-naïve patient undergoing surgery should be considered a “never event” and discuss strategies for appropriate prescribing by surgeons.