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Evaluation of policies limiting opioid exposure on opioid prescribing and patient pain in opioid-naive patients undergoing elective surgery in a large American health system.
Rennert L, Howard KA, Walker KB, et al. Evaluation of policies limiting opioid exposure on opioid prescribing and patient pain in opioid-naive patients undergoing elective surgery in a large American health system. J Patient Saf. 2023;19(2):71-78. 10.1097/pts.0000000000001088
High-risk opioid prescribing can increase the risk of abuse and overdose. This study evaluated the impact of four opioid prescribing policies for opioid-naïve patients – nonopioid medications during surgery, decreased opioid doses in operating rooms, standardized electronic health record alerts, and limits on postoperative opioid supply – implemented by one opioid stewardship program in a large US healthcare system between 2016 and 2018. Post-implementation, researchers observed decreases in postoperative opioid prescription doses, fewer opioid prescription refills, and less patient-reported discharge pain.
