To better understand the “Reducing Adverse Drug Events Related to Opioids” guide, the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety interviewed its lead author, Thomas W. Frederickson MD, FACP, SFHM, MBA.

1. Screen for sleep apnea

Dr. Frederickson identifies a key complication that can raise the risk of respiratory compromise, in particular with obese patients: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The condition, both common in the adult population and often undiagnosed, can render traditional monitoring and observation for respiratory compromise ineffective.