High correlations between levels of consumption and mortality related to strong prescription opioid analgesics in British Columbia and Ontario, 2005 – 2009

Abstract

Our findings of strong correlations between select POA use and mortality levels reflect similar evidence from elsewhere on correlations between POA consumption and morbidity or mortality indicators. In the context of high and increasing levels of POA consumption in Canada, efforts to reduce POA-related mortality may require a comprehensively revised approach towards more appropriate and safer prescribing to reduce POA use volumes together with more effective monitoring of POA medications.