RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Opioids and driving: education gaps in advanced cancer JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO BMJ Support Palliat Care FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP bmjspcare-2020-002824 DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002824 A1 Nagtha Anil A1 Natasha Smallwood A1 Sadie Dunn YR 2021 UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/03/14/bmjspcare-2020-002824.abstract AB Objectives Opioids may impair the ability to drive safely, particularly when first prescribed or with dose titration. We investigated whether clinicians evaluate driving status and provide opioid-related driving advice when initiating opioids among people with advanced lung cancer.Methods A retrospective medical record review of outpatients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer seen at an Australian tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken to determine frequency of opioid prescription and documentation of driving status and education regarding driving safety while taking opioids.Results Of 1022 patients screened, 205 were commenced on opioid therapy. Forty-seven (23%) patients had driving status documented. According to medical records, education about driving safety while on opioids was provided to two (1%) patients on opioid initiation. Ten (5%) patients received opioid-related driving education at least once at follow-up appointments. The content of the education was infrequently documented, and when documented, focused on opioid side effects impacting driving. Opioid doses were often escalated at follow-up appointments.Conclusions According to documentation in medical records, clinicians infrequently assessed driving status on opioid initiation and rarely provided education regarding opioid-related driving risks. Further research and clearer guidance regarding opioids and driving safety in the cancer population are required.