Eric Sun, Stanford University - Topics in United States Opioid Research: Empirical Approaches and Areas for Further Investigation

Title: Topics in United States Opioid Research: Empirical Approaches and Areas for Further Investigation

Abstract: The opioid epidemic remains an issue of pressing importance in the United States, with over 70,000 deaths from opioids in 2017. One important facet of the issue is the care of surgical patients, where a growing body of literature suggests that patients undergoing surgery are at increase risk for chronic opioid use. Another facet is the understanding that polypharmacy--particularly the use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines--may play in exacerbating the current crisis. This seminar will provide an overview of current research into these two areas, including preliminary data examining the risks of benzodiazepine use in surgical patients. In addition, the seminar will discuss potential empirical approaches towards examining these and other issues in opioid policy.

Presenter: Eric Sun, Stanford University

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