Journal of Surgery and Anesthesia

Abstract

Differences in Opioid Prescribing Attitudes, Perceptions and Practices of Surgical Providers

Heather F Thiesset*, Karen C Schliep, Lyen C Huang, Virginia L Valentin, Lisa H Gren and Christina A 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.

Published Date: 2020-08-01; Received Date: 2020-07-08