Overview

• The 2016 Safe Prescribing standard in British Columbia significantly reduced opioid dosages, high-dose prescriptions, and risky co-prescribing with benzodiazepines.
• Aggressive tapering of opioid doses increased under the standard, raising concerns about inadequate pain management and potential use of unregulated opioids.
• The 2018 replacement of the 2016 standard slowed the downward trends in opioid prescribing, emphasizing the influence of regulatory frameworks on physician behavior.
• Experts advocate for interdisciplinary care approaches, including pain management specialists, to address gaps in treatment for chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
• Commentators stress the importance of consulting patients and clinicians during guideline development to minimize unintended consequences and improve patient outcomes.