Thiesset FH, Schliep KC, Huang LC, Valentin VL, Gren LH, Porucznik
Background: Over-prescription of opioids after surgery puts patients at high-risk for developing chronic opioid dependence. Little is known regarding the use of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opioid prescribing guidelines in the post-surgical environment.
Materials and methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study looking at surgical provider opioid prescribing. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: APCs (70%) were more likely to report use of CDC guidelines in surgery than surgeons (39%) and trainees (32%). Only 14% of surgeons, 22% of trainees, and 8% of APCs identified themselves as having the responsibility to counsel patients on opioid disposal.
Conclusions: Exposure to surgery and thereby opioid narcotics comes with a substantial public health burden and peril to the communities in which the hospitals are located. Therefore, understanding provider perceptions can guide training and affords an opportunity for practice improvement efforts.