Improving Analgesic Prescribing Practices: A Pharmacoeconomic Approach

Abstract

Inappropriate analgesic prescribing practices contribute significantly to the global burden of chronic pain, resulting in suboptimal pain relief, increased adverse events, and escalating healthcare costs. This study investigates the pharmacoeconomic implications of optimizing analgesic prescribing practices, aiming to identify strategies that improve patient outcomes while minimizing healthcare expenditures. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating a systematic literature review, case studies, and expert interviews. The literature review examined the current state of analgesic prescribing practices, highlighting the prevalence of overprescribing, under prescribing, and inappropriate drug selection. The review also explored the economic burden associated with chronic pain, including direct medical costs, indirect costs related to lost productivity, and intangible costs associated with reduced quality of life. Case studies of successful analgesic prescribing programs were analyzed to identify best practices and key factors contributing to positive outcomes. These cases demonstrated the effectiveness of strategies such as patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the use of evidence-based guidelines in optimizing analgesic prescribing