Deaths from Opioid Overdosing: Implications of Coroners’ Inquest Reports 2008–2012 and Annual Rise in Opioid Prescription Rates: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

A multifaceted national public health approach is needed to bring together the various stakeholders involved with pain management, opioid dependence, opioid availability and opioid diversion. There needs to be a targeted approach to educate current and future medical practitioners regarding the appropriate use of opioid prescriptions for the management of pain, as well as a strengthening of primary, secondary and tertiary resources to support medical practitioners managing their patients who suffer with pain.