PURPOSE: This study tests the validity of self-reported illicit substance use against biochemical testing among Emergency Department (ED) patients seeking treatment with narcotics for backache, headache, and toothache and to characterize patients who provide false reports. METHODS: Retrospective chart review comparing the self-reported drug use history obtained during an ED visit during a six-year period (1995-2001) with the results of a biochemical drug screen obtained the same day. RESULTS: 248 patients met screening criteria, 79 (32%) of whom tested positive for unclaimed "drugs of abuse." Patients with a history of "drug abuse" and chronic pain were significantly more likely to test positive for unclaimed drugs than were their counterparts (p=.05 and p<.0001, respectively). No significant difference was found in comparing those with and without multiple ED visits or those requesting a specific narcotic. CONCLUSION: Self-reported drug use is unreliable in this ED subpopulation. When this knowledge is critical for patient care, biochemical testing may be indicated.
PURPOSE: This study tests the validity of self-reported illicit substance use against biochemical testing among Emergency Department (ED) patients seeking treatment with narcotics for backache, headache, and toothache and to characterize patients who provide false reports. METHODS: Retrospective chart review comparing the self-reported drug use history obtained during an ED visit during a six-year period (1995-2001) with the results of a biochemical drug screen obtained the same day. RESULTS: 248 patients met screening criteria, 79 (32%) of whom tested positive for unclaimed "drugs of abuse." Patients with a history of "drug abuse" and chronic pain were significantly more likely to test positive for unclaimed drugs than were their counterparts (p=.05 and p<.0001, respectively). No significant difference was found in comparing those with and without multiple ED visits or those requesting a specific narcotic. CONCLUSION: Self-reported drug use is unreliable in this ED subpopulation. When this knowledge is critical for patient care, biochemical testing may be indicated.
Authors: Gerald Cochran; Jennifer L Bacci; Thomas Ylioja; Valerie Hruschak; Sharon Miller; Amy L Seybert; Ralph Tarter Journal: J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) Date: 2016-03-24
Authors: Wendy L Macias Konstantopoulos; Jessica A Dreifuss; Katherine A McDermott; Blair Alden Parry; Melissa L Howell; Raul N Mandler; Garrett M Fitzmaurice; Michael P Bogenschutz; Roger D Weiss Journal: Ann Emerg Med Date: 2014-07-03 Impact factor: 5.721
Authors: Michael P Wilson; Kimberly Nordstrom; Eric L Anderson; Anthony T Ng; Leslie S Zun; Jennifer M Peltzer-Jones; Michael H Allen Journal: West J Emerg Med Date: 2017-05-01