Policies affecting the supply and access of opioid analgesics: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to describe and map the range of evaluated policies that affect the supply and access of opioids for analgesic therapy. INTRODUCTION: There has been increasing concern regarding the rise in opioid analgesic misuse and related harms, including overdose deaths. In response, policies have been developed and implemented to reduce the burden of opioid-related problems, including strategies that aim to affect the supply and/or access of opioid analgesics. However, little is known about the range and nature of these policies, including whether they have been evaluated for effectiveness and how. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies to be included must evaluate the effectiv..