David Streem, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, discusses prescription medication and the responsibility of health professionals to patients and family alike to encourage appropriate use of pills.

Summary:
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the responsibility they carry to educate patients and family alike about appropriate use of medication, in particular changing the attitude that there is a pill for every ailment.

References and Resources:
Reisfield GM, Wilson GR. Are some physicians unwitting enablers of prescription opioid abuse? J Opioid Manag. 2009 Mar-Apr;5(2):71-3.
Donohue JM, Huskamp HA, Wilson IB, Weissman J. Whom do older adults trust most to provide information about prescription drugs? Am J Geriatr Pharmacother. 2009 Apr;7(2):105-16.

This physician has nothing to disclose.

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