Supervisor: A/Prof Susanna Cramb

Co-Supervisors: Prof. Cate Cameron, A/Prof Darren Wraith 

Thesis title:  Enhanced Longitudinal Analyses for Community Opioid Dispensing following Injury

Thesis Summary: Prescribing opioids for short intervals is common to reduce pain, especially after injury or surgical procedures. However, a prolonged consumption of opioids can have adverse effects on human health such as reduced fertility, drug overdose, extended hospitalisation and other consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of drug induced deaths are due to opioid use worldwide. A significant increase in prescribed opioid dispensing in Australia is also noted in recent decades. The main aim of this study is to explore statistical methods to best identify the predictive factors and trajectory patterns of community opioid dispensing among adults following an injury-related hospital admission. The study will utilise a linked dataset with a retrospective cohort-based design considering adults aged 18 years or above who have been hospitalised due to an injury in Queensland, Australia.