A new study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente and published in The American Journal of Managed Care, showed that patient satisfaction with care did not drop as opioid dosages were lowered. The study included ~2,500 patients who were taking high doses of opioids for at least 6 consecutive months. Patient satisfaction scores were compared between two groups – those who had their opioid dose reduced to the recommended level for at least 30 days and those who had no dose reductions. Overall patient satisfaction was maintained in 86.4% of encounters that resulted in an opioid dose reduction. The study also noted that satisfaction scores held steady, when the regular primary care physician reduced the dosage versus a different provider.

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