Average Morphine Milligram Research Articles

Opioid Administration Patterns and Trends following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Multi-Center Analysis

Objectives: The opioid epidemic has become a public health crisis, with orthopedic surgeons among the highest prescribers of opioids. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) represents a large portion of orthopedic surgeries performed annually, with opioids commonly utilized in post-operative pain management. Understanding opioid administration patterns following TJA is important to better inform post-operative pain management prescribing and reduce opioid reliance in postoperative care. The purpose of this study was to characterize opioid use following TJA across various healthcare institutions and settings. Methods: A 5-year retrospective study was performed utilizing patient data collected by Avalon.ai from 3 large health systems around the US. The data was screened for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) between 2018 and 2022 (n=4,472). Patient records were screened for administration of opioids following TJA, defined as average morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Results: The average MME for combined TKA (n=2,913) and THA (n=1,571) increased significantly from 24 ± 18 in 2018 to 33 ± 28 in 2022 (P <.0001). Average MME increased for TKA from 26 ± 19 in 2018 to 35 ± 27 in 2022 (P <.0001) and THA from 23 ± 16 in 2018 to 27 ± 31 in 2022 (P <0.03). Additionally, the average MME was higher following inpatient TJA than outpatient, with variation in MME amongst healthcare institutions in recent years. Conclusion: Opioid administration following TJA increased annually over the study period, with significant variation in average MME following TJA across healthcare institutions. Continued efforts are needed to deploy evidenced-based post-operative pain management after TJA to avoid over-prescribing opioids, minimize inter-institutional variability, and maximize patient experience.

The Effects of Opioid Administration on Clostridioides Difficile Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections. Using opioids while infected with C. difficile may hypothetically lead to reduced clearance of the organism and higher risk of progressing to severe or fulminant infection. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if opioid use leads to worsening of C. difficile infection. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with C. difficile infection. The primary endpoint was progression to severe or fulminant disease, defined as serum creatinine greater than 1.5mg/dL or over 50% of baseline, white blood cells above 15,000 cells/mm3, shock requiring vasopressors, ileus, toxic megacolon, or vancomycin dose increase. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and time to resolution of diarrhea. The groups were stratified based on average morphine milligram equivalents received during the treatment. Results: A total of 73 patients were included in the non-opioid group and 93 patients in the opioid group. The composite outcome occurred in 16 patients (21.9%) without opioids vs 26 patients (28.0%) with opioids; (P = 0.37). The average length of stay was 7.2 days without opioids and 9.3 days with opioids (P = 0.11) and the average time to resolution of diarrhea was 3.5 days without opioids and 5.5 days with opioids (P = 0.40). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the rate of progression to severe or fulminant disease. There was a numerical trend towards increase in progression in patients who had opioids, primarily driven by those who had higher dosages of opioids used.

Does psychological distress predict risk of orthopaedic surgery and postoperative opioid prescribing in patients with hip pain? A retrospective study

BackgroundClinicians and public health professionals have allocated resources to curb opioid over-prescription and address psychological needs among patients with musculoskeletal pain. However, associations between psychological distress, risk of surgery, and opioid prescribing among those with hip pathologies remain unclear.MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort study design, we identified patients that were evaluated for hip pain from January 13, 2020 to October 27, 2021. Patients’ surgical histories and postoperative opioid prescriptions were extracted via chart review. Risk of hip surgery within one year of evaluation was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable linear regression was employed to predict average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day of opioid prescriptions within the first 30 days after surgery. Candidate predictors included age, gender, race, ethnicity, employment, insurance type, hip function and quality of life on the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and psychological distress phenotype using the OSPRO Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) Assessment Tool.ResultsOf the 672 patients, n = 350 (52.1%) underwent orthopaedic surgery for hip pain. In multivariable analysis, younger patients, those with TRICARE/other government insurance, and those with a high psychological distress phenotype had higher odds of surgery. After adding iHOT-12 scores, younger patients and lower iHOT-12 scores were associated with higher odds of surgery, while Black/African American patients had lower odds of surgery. In multivariable analysis of average MME, patients with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) received opioid prescriptions with significantly higher average MME than those with other procedures, and surgery type was the only significant predictor. Post-hoc analysis excluding PAO found higher average MME for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy (compared to arthroplasty or other non-PAO procedures) and significantly lower average MME for patients with public insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) compared to those with private insurance. Among those only undergoing arthroscopy, older age and having public insurance were associated with opioid prescriptions with lower average MME. Neither iHOT-12 scores nor OSPRO-YF phenotype assignment were significant predictors of postoperative mean MME.ConclusionsPsychological distress characteristics are modifiable targets for rehabilitation programs, but their use as prognostic factors for risk of orthopaedic surgery and opioid prescribing in patients with hip pain appears limited when considered alongside other commonly collected clinical information such as age, insurance, type of surgery pursued, and iHOT-12 scores.

Six-week postoperative opioid use and pain following a randomized controlled trial evaluating multimodal analgesia for head and neck free flap patients.

Head and neck malignancy treatment often involves invasive surgeries, necessitating effective postoperative pain control. However, chronic reliance on opioid medications remains a challenge for many patients after surgery. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) within enhanced recovery after surgery protocols has shown success in limiting narcotic pain medications for other cancer types. In a prior study, MMA comprising acetaminophen, ketorolac, gabapentin, and a neurogenic block reduced opioid use in the 7-day postoperative period for major head and neck reconstructive surgery. This study investigates the impact of multimodal analgesia on opioid prescription and pain during the 6-week postoperative period for patients undergoing major head and neck oncologic surgeries, aiming to understand the longer-term effects of narcotic use. The study retrospectively examined participants in a [hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation pragmatic trial to assess multimodal analgesia's long-term effectiveness in head and neck free flap surgery. Arm A received scheduled acetaminophen and as-needed opioids, while Arm B received scheduled gabapentin, ketorolac, a regional nerve block at the donor site, scheduled acetaminophen, and as-needed opioids. Retrospective data collection included opioid prescription use and pain scores up to 6 weeks after surgery, gathered from the Kansas prescription drug monitoring program, K-TRACS. Thirty patients participated, 14 in Arm A and 16 in Arm B. The average morphine milligram equivalents per day of filled prescriptions were not significantly different between Arm A and Arm B (7.23 vs. 7.88, p = .845). Additionally, average pain scores at 6 weeks showed no significant difference between the two groups (1.4 vs. 1.9, p = .612). Patients with head and neck cancer treated with multimodal analgesia during the perioperative period did not exhibit significant differences in opioid use and pain within 6 weeks after discharge. To confirm these findings, a re-examination with strict measures of opioid use and scheduled pain assessments in a prospective manner is warranted. 4.

Postoperative Pain Following Coblation of Sinonasal Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasias.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare, autosomal dominant disease and epistaxis is the most common symptom. This can be treated conservatively but severe cases may require operative interventions. Endoscopic endonasal coblation of HHT lesions has been used successfully but postoperative pain management has not been well described. This study aimed to assess levels of postoperative pain and opioid use among patients with HHT who underwent coblation of sinonasal lesions. This is a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal coblation for treatment of HHT lesions with or without bevacizumab injection between November 2019 and March 2020 at a single academic university hospital. Patients were given preoperative questionnaires and contacted via telephone 48 hours after surgery. If they reported using opioids for pain control, they were called every 2 days until they no longer used these medications. Fourteen cases, including 13 unique patients, were included in this study. Opioids were ordered on discharge in 4 cases and the average morphine milligram equivalent prescribed on discharge was 41. The median pain score on postoperative day (POD) 2 was 4 of 10. Twelve patients reported using acetaminophen and 4 were using opioid pain medications. Of those using opioid pain medications, only 1 patient was using opioid pain medication by POD 4 and denied any use after POD 10. This study is the first to analyze postoperative pain management and opioid prescribing patterns in HHT patients undergoing endonasal coblation of telangiectasias. Postoperative pain was mild to moderate and most patients stopped using opioid medications by POD 4, although the majority of patients solely used acetaminophen. Future studies with increased sample size will be useful to further identify predictors of need for analgesics postoperatively and other non-opioid adjuncts for pain control.

Is outpatient spine surgery associated with new, persistent opioid use in opioid-naïve patients? A retrospective national claims database analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAlthough spine procedures have historically been performed inpatient, there has been a recent shift to the outpatient setting for selected cases due to increased patient satisfaction and reduced cost. Effective postoperative pain management while limiting over-prescribing of opioids, which may lead to persistent opioid use, is critical to performing spine surgery in the outpatient setting. PURPOSETo assess if there is an increased risk for new, persistent opioid use between inpatient and outpatient spine procedures. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective analysis using national administrative claims database. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 390,049 opioid-naïve patients with a perioperative opioid prescription who underwent an inpatient or outpatient spine surgery. OUTCOME MEASURESPatients with perioperative opioid prescriptions who filled ≥ 1 opioid prescription between 90- and 180-days following surgery were defined as new, persistent opioid users. METHODSWe utilized a claims database to identify opioid-naïve patients who underwent lumbar or cervical fusion, total disc arthroplasty, or decompression procedures. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between inpatient versus outpatient surgery and the development of new, persistent opioid use while adjusting for several patient factors. RESULTSA total of 19,205 (11.7%) inpatient and 18,546 (8.2%) outpatient patients developed new, persistent opioid use. Outpatient lumbar and cervical spine surgery patients were significantly less likely to develop new, persistent opioid use following surgery compared to inpatient spine surgery patients (OR = 0.71 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.69, 0.73], p < .001). Average morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) (inpatient = 1,476 MME +/- 22.7, outpatient = 1,072 MME +/- 18.5, p < .001) and average MMEs per day (inpatient = 91.6 MME +/- 0.32, outpatient = 77.7 MME +/- 0.28, p < .001) were lower in the outpatient cohort compared to the inpatient. CONCLUSIONOur results support the shift from inpatient to outpatient spine procedures, as outpatient procedures were not associated with an increased risk for new, persistent opioid use. As more patients become candidates for outpatient spine surgery, predictors of new, persistent opioid use should be considered during risk stratification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCELevel III Prognostic Study. MINI ABSTRACTWe utilized a national administrative claims database to identify opioid-naïve patients who underwent common spine procedures. Outpatient lumbar and cervical spine surgery patients were significantly less likely to be new, persistent opioid users following surgery compared to inpatient spine surgery patients. Our results support the shift to outpatient spine procedures.

Opioid and Nerve Block Administration in Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Retrospective Evaluation

AimsIncreasing opioid-related adverse events and deaths have amplified interest in non-opioid analgesic options. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are useful in pain management, especially in minimally invasive day surgeries. This evaluation sought to examine patterns of opioid use among adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, stratified by use of PNBs. DesignA retrospective, observational design. SettingsA large tertiary medical center and community hospital in the Inland Northwest. Participants/SubjectsA dataset of 8,493 adult patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty, 3,432 of which received a PNB while 5,061 did not. MethodsA deidentified dataset was obtained to evaluate: (a) opioid use frequency, (b) average morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) administered, (c) independent factors associated with opioid administration, and (d) time to first opioid administered in adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty while in the recovery room, stratified by use of PNBs. ResultsWhen controlling for general anesthesia, opioid use frequency was reduced when PNBs were administered (p < .05). The amount of MMEs consumed was 15 mg less in the group receiving a PNB (p < .001). In a linear regression model, PNBs reduced the MMEs consumed by 5 mg (p = .014). Time-to-first opioid was increased in patients receiving general anesthesia and PNBs with a hazards ratio of 0.70 (p < .001). ConclusionsPeripheral nerve blocks are an opioid-sparing technique in adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Clinical ImplicationsThe results confirm best practices regarding opioid-sparing PNBs. Postoperative opioids are appropriate, but regimens incorporating PNB administration for total knee arthroplasty help reduce opioid use.

Impact of unsolicited reporting notifications on providers’ prescribing behavior: An experimental study on Maryland PDMP data

BackgroundUnsolicited Reporting Notifications(URNs) have been a component of Maryland’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) since 2016. We evaluated the effect of URNs on providers’ prescription behaviors. MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental study of providers who were issued at least one URN from January 2018 to April 2021. Providers for whom URNs were not successfully delivered were designated as a comparison group. The outcome variables were average daily opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions, average morphine milligram equivalents per patient, and proportion of overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine, either with or without muscle relaxant prescriptions. Changes were compared before versus after the issuance of a URN among the intervention and comparison groups using “Generalized Estimation Equation” and “Generalized Linear” Models. We also conducted stratified analyses by types of URN, including notifications for multiple provider episodes (MPE), overdose fatality (ODF), and dangerous drug combinations (DDC). ResultsThe average daily number of opioids prescriptions (3.3% decrease in the intervention group vs 22.7% increase in the comparison group, P<0.001), co-prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines either with muscle relaxants (68.0% decrease vs. 36.1% decrease, P<0.001), or without muscle relaxants (6.0% decrease vs. 16.3% increase, P<0.001), significantly reduced after the first URN regardless of the type of URN. Stratified analysis by types of URNs showed that ODF and DDC URNs had a significant effect on most of the outcomes of interest. ConclusionThe findings suggest that unsolicited reporting, especially particular types of URNs including ODF and DDC, is associated with subsequent changes in unsafe prescribing behaviors.

PD28-05 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ON POST URETEROSCOPY OPIOID PRESCRIBING PRACTICES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD28-05 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ON POST URETEROSCOPY OPIOID PRESCRIBING PRACTICES Mark Hasell, Zachary A. Valley, Francisco Aguirre, Jennifer Bolt, Andrew Graham, and Kamaljot S. Kaler Mark HasellMark Hasell More articles by this author , Zachary A. ValleyZachary A. Valley More articles by this author , Francisco AguirreFrancisco Aguirre More articles by this author , Jennifer BoltJennifer Bolt More articles by this author , Andrew GrahamAndrew Graham More articles by this author , and Kamaljot S. KalerKamaljot S. Kaler More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003313.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the public health crisis of opioid misuse in North America, several recent studies have examined the use of minimal or opioid free prescriptions following various surgeries in opioid naïve patients (ONPs). In May 2021, we started a quality improvement project for elective and emergency ureteroscopy (URS) for nephrolithiasis with opioid free standardized prescriptions consisting only of Ketorolac, Acetaminophen, Solifenacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Tamsulosin to be used by the adult Urology group at their discretion. METHODS: The control cohort consisted of ONPs who underwent URS in the 12 months prior to initiation of intervention while the opioid free cohort consisted of ONPs who underwent URS in the 12 months after initiation of intervention. Our main outcome was the average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of prescriptions filled for pain control within 3 days of hospital discharge. Our balancing measures included readmission within 90 days and outpatient MME prescriptions filled between 3- and 90-days post discharge. Measures were compared across pre- and post-intervention groups using control charts and traditional hypothesis testing. RESULTS: In the current study, 3256 patients were retrospectively reviewed; the opioid free cohort consisted of 1373 ONPs and the control cohort consisted of 1883 ONPs. The average age was 53 with 60% males. Majority of stones were >4mm and majority of patients had multiple stones. There was a significant reduction in MME prescriptions filled in the opioid free cohort compared to the control (19.7 vs. 41.2, p<0.001) (Figure 1). System stability was maintained post intervention along with no significant increase in readmission rates in the experimental cohort (Figure 2). CONCLUSIONS: Using a simple standardized prescription intervention following URS in large series of over 3000 patients, there was a significant reduction of 50% in opioids prescribed at discharge with no significant increase in outpatient prescriptions or readmissions. This intervention provides evidence for opioid free discharges in ONPs undergoing URS. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e820 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mark Hasell More articles by this author Zachary A. Valley More articles by this author Francisco Aguirre More articles by this author Jennifer Bolt More articles by this author Andrew Graham More articles by this author Kamaljot S. Kaler More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Patterns of Opioid Demand after Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

The PearlDiver database was queried for all patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups: (1) those with an active diagnosis of cannabis use (case) and (2) those without (control). The primary outcome measure was morphine milligram equivalents per prescription filled within 30 days after surgery. A logistic regression was used to determine potential risk factors associated with increased opioid filling patterns. The rates of prescription refills before and after surgery were congruent in both the case and control populations and did not show significant differences (P > 0.05). The average morphine milligram equivalents of patients' first opioid prescription was significantly reduced in the case population compared with the control (352.26 versus 480.61 morphine milligram equivalents/prescription, P = 0.005). A history of chronic opioid use was the strongest predictor of prolonged opioid prescription refills after surgery. This study found a significant reduction in opioid volume in patients with a diagnosis of cannabis use who filled an opioid prescription after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Mental health diagnoses, specifically depression, showed an increased risk of multiple opioid prescription refills in patients without a diagnosis of cannabis use.

Prescription Opioid Use for Acute Pain and Persistent Opioid Use After Gynecologic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

To assess the amount of opioid medication used by patients and the prevalence of persistent opioid use after discharge for gynecologic surgery for benign indications. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to October 2020. Studies with data on gynecologic surgical procedures for benign indications and the amount of outpatient opioids consumed, or the incidence of either persistent opioid use or opioid-use disorder postsurgery were included. Two reviewers independently screened citations and extracted data from eligible studies. Thirty-six studies (37 articles) met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from 35 studies; 23 studies included data on opioids consumed after hospital discharge, and 12 studies included data on persistent opioid use after gynecologic surgery. Average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) used in the 14 days after discharge were 54.0 (95% CI 39.9-68.0, seven tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) across all gynecologic surgery types, 35.0 (95% CI 0-75.12, 4.5 tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) after a vaginal hysterectomy, 59.5 (95% CI 44.4-74.6, eight tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) after laparoscopic hysterectomy, and 108.1 (95% CI 80.5-135.8, 14.5 tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) after abdominal hysterectomy. Patients used 22.4 MME (95% CI 12.4-32.3, three tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) within 24 hours of discharge after laparoscopic procedures without hysterectomy and 79.8 MME (95% CI 37.1-122.6, 10.5 tablets of 5-mg oxycodone) from discharge to 7 or 14 days postdischarge after surgery for prolapse. Persistent opioid use occurred in about 4.4% of patients after gynecologic surgery, but this outcome had high heterogeneity due to variation in populations and definitions of the outcome. On average, patients use the equivalent of 15 or fewer 5-mg oxycodone tablets (or equivalent) in the 2 weeks after discharge after major gynecologic surgery for benign indications. Persistent opioid use occurred in 4.4% of patients who underwent gynecologic surgery for benign indications. Our findings could help surgeons minimize overprescribing and reduce medication diversion or misuse. PROSPERO, CRD42020146120.

Implementation and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Telemedicine Pilot Initiative for Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Rural and Underserved Areas at a Major Academic Medical Center.

Arkansas lacks adequate access to high-quality pain care, as evidenced, in part, by it having the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the United States. To improve access to high-quality treatment of chronic pain, we developed the Arkansas Improving Multidisciplinary Pain Care and Treatment (AR-IMPACT) Telemedicine Clinic, a multidisciplinary and interprofessional team of specialists who provide evidence-based pain management for patients with chronic pain. We conducted a single-arm pilot trial of the AR-IMPACT Telemedicine Clinic with rural, university-affiliated primary care clinics. We assessed the AR-IMPACT Telemedicine Clinic using an implementation framework and preliminary effectiveness measures. Specifically, we assessed 5 of the 8 implementation outcomes of the framework (ie, penetration, adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility) using a mixed methods approach. To evaluate implementation outcomes, we used surveys, interviews, and administrative data. We used electronic health record data to measure preliminary effectiveness (ie, changes in average morphine milligram equivalents per day and pain and depression scores). The AR-IMPACT team saw 23 patients that were referred by 13 primary care physicians from three rural, university-affiliated primary care clinics over one year. Of the 19 patients willing to participate in the pilot study, 12 identified as women, 31.6% identified as Black, and over 50% had less than a bachelor's level education. Patients rated the clinic positively with high overall satisfaction. Referring physicians indicated high levels of appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of the program. AR-IMPACT team members identified several barriers and facilitators to the feasibility of implementing the program. No changes in preliminary effectiveness measures were statistically significant. Overall, the AR-IMPACT Telemedicine Clinic obtained moderate penetration and adoption, was highly acceptable to patients, was highly acceptable and appropriate to providers, and was moderately feasible to providers and AR-IMPACT team members.

Postoperative opioid protocol: A 5-year resident-led effort to standardize prescribing patterns

ObjectivesThe combined impact of variable surgeon prescribing preferences and low resident prescribing comfort level can lead to significant disparity in opioid prescribing patterns. We report an update on the expanded scope of this now 5-year, resident led initiative to standardize postoperative prescription practices within the Department of Otolaryngology. MethodsWith Institutional Review Board approval, performed a retrospective review of 12 months before (July 2016 – June 2017) and 48 months after (July 2019–June 2021) implementation of the Expanded Postoperative Analgesia Protocol. The Pre-Protocol and Expanded Protocol cohorts were compared using ANOVA, chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests, with ANCOVA and binary logistic regression for covariate analysis. Cost impact was calculated using average medication spending data for 2018–2019. Results470 patients were included in the Pre-Protocol cohort (54 % male, mean age 35 years) and 679 in the Expanded Protocol cohort (63 % male, mean age 36 years). The protocol was effectively implemented as reflected in the reduction of combination opioid medications from 429 (91.3 %) to 26 (3.8 %) (87 % reduction, 95 % CI 86 % to 89 %, p < .001). The protocol resulted in a 66 % reduction in average morphine milligram equivalents per patient (333 mg to 114 mg, mean reduction 219 mg, 95 % CI 206 mg to 232 mg, p < .001), a 68 % reduction in medication refills (refill rate 20 % to 6 %; 14 % reduction, 95 % CI 12 % to 16 %, p < .001) and a 74 % reduction in cost of postoperative medications ($93.82 to $24.64 per patient). ConclusionThrough purposeful standardization, this 5-year resident led effort resulted in sustained changes to departmental wide prescribing practices yielding reduced variability, reduced cost, improved opioid management and superior pain control for postoperative patients.

Modifying Post-operative Opioid Stewardship Through a System of Educational Feedback.

Background: The opioid overdose epidemic remains one of the leading focuses of the United States' public health agenda. Current literature has suggested that many surgical procedures are associated with an increased risk of chronic opioid use in the post-operative period of opioid-naïve patients. We aimed to assess whether providing feedback on the average morphine milligram equivalents (MMED) and opioid utilization by selected post-operative patients would impact the provider opioid prescribing patterns.Methods: An opioid stewardship educational intervention provided didactic and email feedback to general surgeons about their prescribing patterns and summary feedback on opioid usage among post-operative patients from the pre-intervention period. We used descriptive statistics, Chi Square, Fisher's Exact test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum, two sample t test, and Spearman's rho to analyze the data gathered.Results: A total of 5142 patients with an average age of 43.9 years were included in the study period. Women accounted for 3096 (60.2%) and 2046 (39.8%) were men. The surgeries during the study period included 1928 (37.5%) appendectomies and 3214 (62.5%) cholecystectomies. The predominant surgical approach was laparoscopic 5028 (97.8%). In both groups, the total MMED and total number of pills prescribed decreased significantly after the intervention was implemented. There were no refill prescriptions nor 30-day readmissions among those discharged with an opioid prescription in either study phase.Discussion: An intervention that provided general surgeons with feedback about their post-operative prescription patterns and data on post-operative opioid utilization by patients decreased prescribed MMED.

Evaluation of Individualized Pain Plans for Children With Sickle Cell Disease Admitted for Vaso-occlusive Crisis at Riley Hospital for Children.

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most common problem reported by patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of individualized pain plans in pediatric patients with SCD admitted for VOC. This was a pre- and post-study of patients with SCD admitted to Riley Hospital for Children for VOC from July 1, 2019, through July 1, 2020. The primary outcome was length of inpatient stay for VOC. Secondary outcomes included final pain score, days on scheduled opioids, days on breakthrough opioids, and average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) used per day. Nine patients were included. The mean age was 16 years (range, 10-20 years). Key clinical findings were decreases in median [IQR] for final pain scores (7 [4.5-9] vs 6 [2.5-8], p = 0.396) and number of days of breakthrough opioid use (5 [3-8] vs 4 [2.5-5.5], p = 0.233). Following implementation of an individualized pain plan, there was an increase in median average MME per day (65.94 [53.1-97.7] vs 82.85 [41-114.3], p = 0.844). Median length of stay and days on scheduled opioids remained the same. This study demonstrated that use of individualized pain plans in a small population of patients with SCD might result in decreased pain scores and decreased days on breakthrough opioids.

Medical Cannabis Use Reduces Opioid Prescriptions in Patients With Osteoarthritis.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) can result in significant pain, requiring pain management with opioids. Medical cannabis (MC) has the potential to be an alternative to opioids for chronic pain conditions. This study investigates whether MC used in the management of OA-related chronic pain can reduce opioid utilization.MethodsForty patients with chronic OA pain were certified for MC. Average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day of opioid prescriptions filled within the six months prior to MC certification was compared to that of the six months after. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Global Health scores were measured at baseline, three, and six months post MC certification.ResultsAverage MME/day decreased from 18.2 to 9.8 (n=40, p<0.05). The percentage of patients who dropped to 0 MME/day was 37.5%. VAS scores decreased significantly at three and six months, and Global Physical Health score increased significantly by three months.ConclusionsMC reduces opioid prescription for patients with chronic OA pain and improves pain and quality of life.

Medical Cannabis Use Reduces Opioid Prescriptions in Patients With Chronic Back Pain.

BackgroundThis study investigates whether the use of medical cannabis (MC) in patients with chronic back pain is associated with a decreased opioid prescription.MethodsThe study included 186 patients with chronic back pain who were certified for MC use. The average morphine milligram equivalent (MME)/day of opioid prescriptions filled within the six months prior to MC certification was compared to that of six months after. Pain and disability questionnaires were distributed at three, six, and nine months post-certification.ResultsPatients who started at less than 15 MME/day and patients who started at greater than 15 MME/day decreased from 15.1 to 11.0 (n = 186, p < 0.01), 3.5 to 2­­­.1 (n = 134, p < 0.01), and 44.9 to 33.9 (n = 52, p < 0.01), respectively. Pain and disability scores were improved at follow-up as well.ConclusionMC use reduces opioid prescription for patients with chronic back pain and improves pain and disability scores.

Large Variation in International Prescribing Rates of Opioids After Robotic Prostatectomy

ObjectiveTo compare international opioid prescribing patterns for patients undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess international opioid prescribing trends among urologists. MethodsAn anonymous Web-based survey assessing the frequency and quantity of opioid prescriptions for robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy was designed using Qualtrics software. The survey was distributed to urologists internationally via Twitter and email in early 2021. Prescribing patterns were analyzed based on country of practice in three groups: United States, Canada, and all other countries. Results160 participants from 26 countries completed the survey including the United States (51%), Greece (19%), Canada (9%), Israel (3.1%). The percentage of providers prescribing post-discharge opioids significantly differed between Canada, the United States, and other countries (86%, 63%, and 11%, respectively, P <.0001). There was a significant difference between years of experience in those who provide opioids compared to those who do not (8 years vs 5 years, P = .0004). The average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) provided in those who did prescribe opioids was greatest in the United States but was not significantly different between groups (mean MME: United States 58 mg, Canada 46 mg, all others 54 mg; P = .63). Attending physicians prescribed more MME than trainees (residents, fellows) on average (attending mean MME = 75 mg, trainee mean MME = 40 mg, P = .017). ConclusionOpioid prescriptions after robotic assisted prostatectomy are common in North America and used sparingly in the rest of the world.

Presurgical and Postsurgical Opioid Rates in Patients Undergoing Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe the pre- and postsurgical opioid prescription rates and average morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day in patients undergoing total shoulder replacement (TSR) procedures. MethodsPatients undergoing TSR were identified from the electronic health records (EMR). In addition to patient demographics, opioid prescription 12-months presurgery and postsurgery were recorded. Patients were categorized into two groups: patients with no opioid prescriptions within 12 months before surgery and patients with an opioid prescription after surgery. McNemar tests were conducted to test for significant presurgical to postsurgical changes in opioid rate changes. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test for significant pre- to postsurgical changes in average MME/day/person, and bivariate logistic regression analyses and covariate-adjusted logistic regressions were used to predict postsurgical opioid prescriptions. ResultsOverall, 1,076 patients underwent TSR. More than 900 patients received presurgical opioid prescriptions. There was a significant increase (p = .0015) in pre-surgical to postsurgical prescription rates. Postsurgical opioid prescriptions were 4.6 times more likely to be prescribed to a pre-surgical non-opioid patient than an opioid patient (p < .0001). Among those prescribed an opioid, the median dosage was <50 MME/day and over 82% of patients were at low overdose risk. Patients with comorbidities and without pre-surgical alcohol use were more likely to receive postsurgical opioids. Postsurgical opioid prescriptions were 4.6 times more likely to be prescribed to a presurgical non-opioid patient than an opioid patient (p < .0001). More than 80% of patients undergoing TSR received presurgical opioids. Among those prescribed any opioid, the median dosage was <50 MME/day and greater than 82% of patients were at low overdose risk. ConclusionsAlthough presurgical non-opioid patients were more likely to receive a postsurgical opioid prescription, based on dosage, most patients were at low risk for an opioid-related overdose or death according to CDC guidelines.

Can the implementation of the Opioid Start Talking form impact the amount of opioid use in patients after ankle fracture repair?

As part of 2018 legislation aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) published the "Opioid Start Talking" (OST) Form on June 1, 2018. We examined if the implementation of the OST form led to an identifiable decrease in patient opioid use. Specifically, we examined the opioid prescription quantities in patients who sustained ankle fractures that required open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Retrospective. Hospital medical records and Michigan Automated Prescription Database (MAPS) were analyzed for similar ankle fracture patients operated on by two surgeons prior to and after the initiation of the OST form. Records allowed us to track opioid filling through MAPS for 120 days after surgery in two groups: preimplementation (PRE) and post-implementation (POST) OST groups. The gathered data were analyzed by the investigators along with a staff statistician. Single-institution orthopedic practice. Seventy eight patients Main outcome measure: Average morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per patient encounter. Seventy eight patients were included in the final analysis after applying the exclusion criteria. There were 38 patients in the pre-OST form period and 40 in the post-OST form period groups. The pre-OST and post-OST groups were well matched between the two surgeons. There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference found in the median MME between patients from the pre-period group to the post-period group (median 59 vs 50, P = 0.61). In regard to the injury pattern, the bimalleolar MME median was 50 (38 = 25th percentile, 67 = 75th percentile; min-max 0-175) and the trimalleolar median MME was 63 (39 =25% percentile, 81 = 75th percentile; min-max 0-249) with a P value of 0.20. Overall, the administration of the OST form to patients with ankle fractures did not result in a decrease in MMEs prescribed within 120 days of surgery. Although it is a start in the battle against the opioid epidemic, further evaluation of the effectiveness of the OST form is necessary.