David Foster

Dr. David Foster

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

14Years (2013-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
26 October 2013 in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
ANAhmed M. Nader
Ahmed M. Nader
DFDavid Foster
David Foster

11 December 2024 in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
IAIftekhar Ahmed
Iftekhar Ahmed
AZAlan Zillich
Alan Zillich
NCNoll L. Campbell
Noll L. Campbell
KSKevin M. Sowinski
Kevin M. Sowinski
DFDavid Foster
David Foster

11 May 2026 in Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IAIftekhar Ahmed
Iftekhar Ahmed
NTNina E. Teo
Nina E. Teo
NKNoha Keshk
Noha Keshk
DFDavid Foster
David Foster
Introduction: Older adults have a higher prevalence of pain and are more likely to receive long‐term opioid therapy (LTOT) compared to other age groups. They are also at elevated risk of opioid‐related adverse events due to physiological changes and polypharmacy. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors and clinical outcomes associated with LTOT in older adults. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies published from inception until July 31, 2025. We included studies that examined opioid use for ≥ 90 days and included participants aged ≥ 60 years. Data were synthesized using harvest plots and narrative synthesis. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used for risk of bias assessment. Results: Forty‐one observational studies were included; no RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Patient‐related factors associated with LTOT across most studies were low income/wealth ( n = 6/6 studies), depressive disorders ( n = 6/9 studies), and dual insurance eligibility/enrollment ( n = 4/6 studies). Prescription/dispensation‐related factors associated with LTOT across most studies were opioid use before surgery/trauma ( n = 6/6 studies), prior/concurrent use of benzodiazepines ( n = 6/6 studies), anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics ( n = 3/4 studies), anticonvulsants ( n = 3/4 studies), opioid use after surgery/trauma ( n = 3/3 studies), long‐acting opioids ( n = 3/3 studies), and longer duration of initial opioid ( n = 2/2 studies). Regarding outcomes of LTOT, most studies reported positive associations between LTOT and hospital readmission/emergency department visit ( n = 3/4 studies), revision surgery ( n = 2/2 studies), health care costs ( n = 2/2 studies), opioid overdose ( n = 1/1 study), and falls ( n = 1/1 study). Evidence on the association of LTOT with mortality and fractures was inconclusive. Conclusions: This systematic review identified several predictors and adverse outcomes associated with LTOT in older adults. However, no evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of LTOT for pain management in this population. Prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to address this gap and inform benefit‐harm assessment of LTOT in clinical practice.