Medical malpractice allegations of iatrogenic addiction in chronic opioid analgesic therapy: forensic case reports.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives for presenting these medico-legal forensic case reports are the following: 1) detail three cases where chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) was alleged to cause iatrogenic addiction and/or re-addiction; 2) detail the plaintiff's and defendant's medical experts' opinions on these allegations; and 3) through analyzing these cases, develop some recommendations for future prevention of such allegations during COAT.

METHODS

Case Reports.

RESULTS

Medico-legal issues surrounding the allegation of iatrogenic addiction were identified in each case.

CONCLUSIONS

Before starting COAT, physicians should obtain and document patient informed consent for the risk of addiction/re-addiction with COAT treatment. Patients with a history of addictions pre-COAT should be placed on adherence monitoring immediately on beginning COAT.