Barriers Facing Physicians in Opioids Prescribing for the Management of Moderate to Severe Pain in a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Although several interventions are utilized for pain management, opioids remain the most effective intervention for moderate to severe pain. Despite opioids being the most potent analgesics used in different pain settings, several factors impede the optimal prescribing of opioids. Objectives: The study seeks to identify and address the barriers physicians face to prescribing opioids in managing pain. Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It involved distributing questionnaires to the participants. The questionnaires sought to identify prescribers’ knowledge and current practices as well as obstacles that they face when prescribing opioids. A total of 109 questionnaires were completed by participants. Results: More than half [59.6%] of the respondents thought that opioid use was an optimal way to treat moderate to severe pain. About 33% chose “never” when asked if they fear legal sanctions when prescribing opioids. Fear of side effects limited almost 90% of the respondents from prescribing opioids. Conclusion: The study confirmed the perception that opioids are the most potent pharmacological intervention in treating pain. Several barriers were identified and discussed in this study. Further studies from different settings to understand these barriers are highly recommended.