Transdermal v oral opioids in the treatment of persistent pain

Background: Healthcare access in rural areas is limited by resources and distance. The aim of this pilot study is to compare the healthcare utilisation of subjects using transdermal or oral controlled release (CR) opioids for persistent (non cancer) pain. Method: Subjects were recruited from medical practices and hospital clinics in North West Tasmania. The number, type, and purpose of all health care contacts, together with the time and cost (including travel) associated, were recorded in a monthly diary. Results: The initial data (64 subjects–100 subject months) shows little difference between the two opioid groups, with a wide variation in time and cost components due to distance travelled. Conclusion: Persistent pain is a multifactorial chronic disease state with many reasons for seeking healthcare. Opioid medications are used for pain control when other measures are insufficient to improve quality of life. This initial data from North West Tasmania indicates that subjects using transdermal or oral CR opioids are equivalent in their healthcare utilisation. Current data will be presented.