Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
This paper reviews data from four key areas identified as relating to the use of opioids, and the creation of guidelines including (a) the surge and decline in opioid prescribing, (b) sham distinctions, (c) reliance on the numerical pain rating (NPR) and (d) the consequences associated with the use/discontinuation of opioids.
Findings/Key points
Discrepancies and inconsistences in the presentation and interpretation of data in these areas were identified. Focused illusion, linguistic uncertainty, and heuristic failure were found to be prevalent cognitive biases. Cognitive biases appear to be influential in the making of policy and guidelines related to the use of opioids. Overlooking these biases may result in decisions that negatively impact clinical practice and patient safety.
Design/methods
Published studies, commentaries, and guidelines were selected based on their ability to illustrate a particular bias and/or to highlight discrepancies in the scientific literature.
