Health Policy Analysis Part IProblem StatementThe state of Kentucky has a number of policies and procedures in place for prescribing and monitoring of opioid use as well as for prevention of prescription opioid misuse and abuse (OIG, 2020). However, because Kentucky opioid overdose deaths are still far too high, what more could be done on the policy end to help prevent opioid prescription abuse?BackgroundIn Kentucky, the number of deaths due
Purpose The purpose of this executive summary is to provide an overview of the issue of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. and how supply-side factors have played a role in the spread of this epidemic. According to Pacula and Powell (2018) in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, published at Rand.org, the opioid crisis “is a complex, multifaceted, and dynamic problem requiring a comprehensive strategy for dealing not just
RESPONSEResponsesTiffany P.Tiffany P opted to focus on suicide as the leading cause of death in local jails and federal and state prisons. She points out that population research may be carried out in efforts to better understand the concern. On this front it should be noted that errors in population research may occur owing to selection bias and information bias (Zhong et al. 2021). Information bias may also arise owing
Introduction Overview of the opioid epidemic. Brief history and how it evolved into a crisis. The Scale of the Epidemic Statistics on opioid addiction, overdoses, and deaths. The impact on various demographics and regions. Causes of the Opioid Epidemic Overprescription of painkillers and pharmaceutical companies' roles. Economic factors and healthcare system issues. Social and psychological factors contributing to addiction. Effects of the Opioid Epidemic On individuals (health, psychological impact, and societal stigma). On families and communities. Economic impact and strain on healthcare systems. Addressing
Situation of Focus The opioid epidemic in America has arisen in part as a result of over-prescription of drugs to patients (Brummett et al., 2017). While patients have a right to expect pain relief, the tendency among health care providers to prescribe opioid therapy to opioid naïve patients at an unnecessarily high dosage can have detrimental effects and risks, such as long-term addiction of the patient (Harbaugh et al., 2018), sleep