Geisinger researchers profile overdose patients and predictors of death

A new study by Geisinger Health System (GHS) analyzed patients who overdosed on opioids and found results on who is most likely to face the worst patient outcomes and experience other serious complications.

"Our study suggests opportunities for identifying patients at-risk for overdosing," said study leader Joseph Boscarino, PhD., MPH, GHS addiction researcher and senior epidemiologist. "We've found that patients who are taking higher doses of prescription opioids combined with psychotropic medicines may need closer monitoring to avoid death and other serious complications."

Analyzing more than 2,000 patient electronic health records (EHRs) of those admitted to the hospital for overdoses between April 2005 and March 2015, the study found patients had an average age of 52, were more often female (54 percent), not married (64 percent) and unemployed (78 percent).

Their coexisting chronic diseases also included cardiovascular disease (22 percent), diabetes (14 percent), cancer (13 percent) and the presence of one or more mental health disorders (35 percent). Nearly one in 10 were admitted for overdoses died within a year.  

Those who experienced the worst patient outcomes—including death, repeated overdoses, frequent health care service use and higher related costs—were found to have concurrent chronic diseases, mental disorders and prescriptions for other psychotropic medications.

Factors that lead to lower overdose outcomes included being married and having private health insurance, almost having a protective effect. With opioids killing more than 28,000 people in 2014, the research in what reduces the chance of an overdose is timely.

"These patients have a history of addiction and other serious mental illness both before and after their overdose, as well as current chronic diseases," Boscarino said.