DIRE Score for Appropriate Opioid Use
Tool for assessing the appropriateness of chronic opioid therapy.

1. Diagnosis -->
A. Benign chronic condition, minimal objective signs (e.g. Fibromyalgia, Migraines, low back) - 1 point
B. Slowly progressive condition with moderate pain (e.g. failed back surgery, Neuropathy) - 2 points
C. Advanced condition associated with severe pain (e.g. severe spinal stenosis) - 3 points

2. Intractability -->
A. Few therapies tried and patient is passively involved in management - 1 point
B. Most therapies tried but patient not completely engaged in management, or barrier limited - 2 points
C. Inadequate response to full spectrum of therapy despite maximally engaged patient - 3 points

3. Risk - Psychological -->
A. Serious mental illness or Personality Disorder - 1 point
B. Moderate interference from mental health condition (e.g. depression, Anxiety Disorder) - 2 points
C. No significant underlying mental illness and communicates well in clinic - 3 points

4. Risk - Chemical Health -->
A. Active or recent use of Illicit Drugs, excessive Alcohol or prescription drug use - 1 point
B. Uses medications to cope with stress or prior Chemical Dependency now in remission - 2 points
C. No Chemical Dependency or maladaptive medication use - 3 points

5. Risk - Reliability -->
A. Numerous problems with prior medications (misuse, missed appointments, non-compliant) - 1 point
B. Generally reliable, but occasional lapses in compliance - 2 points
C. Highly reliable patient - 3 points

6. Risk - Social Support -->
A. Chaotic life with minimal family support, close relationships or life roles - 1 point
B. Relationships and life roles with some reduction - 2 points
C. No social isolation with maintained family, friends and work/school involvement - 3 points

7. Efficacy -->
A. Minimal pain relief or poor function despite moderate to high doses - 1 point
B. Moderate benefit with improved function or insufficient trial - 2 points
C. Good improvement in pain, function, quality of life with stable doses over time - 3 points

Score --> scorescore=(Q1)+(Q2)+(Q3)+(Q4)+(Q5)+(Q6)+(Q7) out of 21
Interpretation --> interpretationscore=(Q1)+(Q2)+(Q3)+(Q4)+(Q5)+(Q6)+(Q7);score>13?'Good candidate for longterm opioid analgesic therapy':'Not suitable candidate for longterm opioid analgesic therapy'
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Result - Copy and paste this output: