Characterizing the demographics of chronic pain patients in the state of Maine using the Maine all payer claims database.

Background: Chronic pain is currently a significant health problem in the United States. A comprehensive strategy is needed to increase prevention of chronic pain and to improve care for chronic pain patients. However, development of a successful strategy relies, in part, on a better understanding of the demographics and socioeconomics of patients living with chronic pain conditions.

Using Controlled Substance Receipt Patterns to Predict Prescription Overdose Death.

Background: This study evaluates complete state data from controlled substance prescribing trends in the prescription monitoring program (PMP) database and their association with the risk of prescription drug overdose death.

Summary: Maine PMP records of individuals who died of prescription overdose deaths between 2006 and 2010 were selected (n = 690). For each subject, an age, gender, and residence matched cohort of PMP users in a 50: 1 ratio was identified (n = 34,500).

Prescription Monitoring Program Trends Among Individuals Arrested in Maine for Trafficking Prescription Drugs in 2014.

Objective: To evaluate controlled substance prescribing trends available in the Maine Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) among individuals arrested for prescription drug "trafficking." The demographic characteristics of the individuals who had matching prescription records in the PMP within 90 days of the arrest were identified.

Study Design: A population-based, retrospective cohort study using data from the Maine Diversion Alert Program (DAP) and the Maine PMP.