David A Fishbain1, John E Lewis, Jinrun Gao. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Miami Veterans Administration Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA. d.fishbain@miami.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives for presenting these medico-legal forensic case reports are the following: 1) detail three cases where chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) was alleged to cause iatrogenic addiction and/or re-addiction; 2) detail the plaintiff's and defendant's medical experts' opinions on these allegations; and 3) through analyzing these cases, develop some recommendations for future prevention of such allegations during COAT. METHODS: Case Reports. RESULTS: Medico-legal issues surrounding the allegation of iatrogenic addiction were identified in each case. CONCLUSIONS: Before starting COAT, physicians should obtain and document patient informed consent for the risk of addiction/re-addiction with COAT treatment. Patients with a history of addictions pre-COAT should be placed on adherence monitoring immediately on beginning COAT. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives for presenting these medico-legal forensic case reports are the following: 1) detail three cases where chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) was alleged to cause iatrogenic addiction and/or re-addiction; 2) detail the plaintiff's and defendant's medical experts' opinions on these allegations; and 3) through analyzing these cases, develop some recommendations for future prevention of such allegations during COAT. METHODS: Case Reports. RESULTS: Medico-legal issues surrounding the allegation of iatrogenic addiction were identified in each case. CONCLUSIONS: Before starting COAT, physicians should obtain and document patient informed consent for the risk of addiction/re-addiction with COAT treatment. Patients with a history of addictions pre-COAT should be placed on adherence monitoring immediately on beginning COAT. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.