Eventos centinelas por abuso de opioides en profesionales de enfermería: factores contribuyentes y preventivos. Scoping Review

Abstract

Oral opioids are primarily used to treat moderate to severe cancer pain. Although the misuse and abuse of opioid analgesics remain a major public health concern, opioids continue to be an important option for pain management in some patients. This study aimed to identify sentinel events associated with opioid abuse through a scoping review to understand the contributing and preventive factors related to opioid abuse. The study adopts a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach, in which sentinel events associated with opioid abuse are identified through a scoping review of relevant scientific literature. The results show that sentinel events associated with opioid abuse arise from the interaction of individual, healthcare-related, and pharmacological factors. The latter are associated with abuse-deterrent formulations, which, although they do not eliminate the risk of abuse, reduce rates of intentional abuse, serious adverse effects, and death. It is concluded that the risk of sentinel events associated with opioid abuse depends not only on the characteristics of the drug but also on mental health conditions, a history of overdose, and patterns of use and administration. Therefore, strengthening clinical surveillance and promoting preventive measures are essential to ensure safe treatment and reduce complications associated with the inappropriate use of these medications. Early risk detection and professional follow-up can also support safe therapeutic decisions and ensure that each patient receives appropriate care throughout pharmacological treatment. Keywords: sentinel events, opioids, prevention, risk.