The number of deaths in England and Wales due to the synthetic opioid fentanyl rose by 29% in 2017. In this Insurance Institute of London (IIL) Accident lecture Shane and Karishma will explain what Opioids are; the most commonly prescribed forms and highlight what we can learn from the US experience.

Opioid overdose rates in the UK are increasing but at a modest pace compared to the US. The prevalence of assigned doctors (under various healthcare systems) reduces “doctor shopping” and ‘direct to consumer’ advertising is banned in Europe, reducing patient pressure. Inducements to doctors (such as dinners/trips) are limited in Europe. However, new guidance should greatly assist in monitoring use of opioids in England.

Insurers must consider the implications including potential group actions and the Gosport Inquiry into the deaths of hundreds of elderly patients will place further focus on potential claims.

By the end of this lecture members would have gained an insight into what clinical records should include such as:

• Relevant clinical findings that support the decision to prescribe opioids
• Intended outcomes of opioid therapy as agreed with the patient
• Choice of drug, formulation, dose and duration of the treatment
• An account of how, when and in what circumstances the dose of drug should be adjusted (this should be given to the patient)
• The circumstances under which Opioid therapy should be discontinued
• Arrangements to follow up and
• The information to be given to the patient

Chair:
Martin Eddison, Price Forbes & Partners Ltd.