Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Loretta Shields

Abstract

AbstractThe 2014 Drug Enforcement Administration’s reclassification of hydrocodone combination products caused significant unintentional consequences to patients with chronic pain. Although a few researchers have looked at the problems that resulted immediately following the reclassification, none have as yet repeated their studies, creating a knowledge gap. Additionally, previous researchers have shown that most of the current opioid restricting policies in place today were not created using a strong evidence-based or ethically inclusive approach. The purpose of this study was to assess whether common factors identified as issues impacting care for these patients immediately following the reclassification continue to affect care standards. The study also addressed the need for evidence-based and ethical approaches to the creation of opioid policies. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, 12 individual interviews were conducted and analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method, interpretive constructionism, and narrative-based bioethics. Results indicated that new restrictions and heightened provider vigilance associated with the reclassification made appropriate care more difficult to access and subjected participants to shame, stigma, and a reduced quality of life. This study promotes positive social change by providing crucial evidentiary data that may be used in the development of opioid policies that are both more effective and ethically responsible.

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