Expectation-setting and patient education about pain control in the perioperative setting: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 455-464
Author(s):  
Josh Bleicher, MD, MS ◽  
Jordan Esplin, BS ◽  
Allison N. Blumling, MS ◽  
Jessica N. Cohan, MD, MAS ◽  
Mark Savarise, MD, MBA, FACS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Patient Experiences ◽  
Patient Anxiety ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Preoperative Expectation

Objective: Interventions aimed at limiting opioid use are widespread. These are most often targeted toward prescribers or health systems. Patients’ perspectives are too often absent during the creation of such interventions. This qualitative study aims to understand patient experiences with education about perioperative pain control, from preoperative expectation-setting to post-operative pain control strategies and ultimately opioid disposal.Design: We performed semistructured interviews focused on patient experiences in the perioperative period. Content from interview transcripts was analyzed using a constant comparative method.Setting: All participants underwent surgery at a single, academic tertiary-care center.Participants: Adult patients who had a general surgery operation in the prior 60 days.Outcome measure: Key themes from interviews about perioperative pain management, specifically related to preoperative expectation-setting and post-operative education.Results: Patients identified gaps in communication and education in three main areas: preoperative expectation setting of post-operative pain; post-operative pain control strategies, including use of opioid medications; and the importance of appropriate opioid disposal. Failure to set expectations led to either significant patient anxiety preoperatively or poor preparation for home discharge. Poor education on pain control strategies led to misinformation on when and how to use opioids. Lack of education on opioid disposal led to most participants failing to properly dispose of leftover medication.Conclusions: Gaps in education surrounding post-operative pain and opioid use can lead to patient anxiety, inappropriate use of opioids, and poor disposal rates of leftover medications. Future interventions aimed at patient education to improve pain management and opioid stewardship should be created with an understanding of patient experiences and perceptions.

Patient education and engagement in postoperative pain management decreases opioid use following knee replacement surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghana Yajnik ◽  
Jonay N. Hill ◽  
Oluwatobi O. Hunter ◽  
Steven K. Howard ◽  
T. Edward Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Knee Replacement ◽  
Postoperative Pain Management ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Knee Replacement Surgery ◽  
Replacement Surgery

Tapering off long-term methadone: A case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kehua Zhou, MD, DPT, LAc ◽  
Leslie Frankish, BS ◽  
Gary G. Wang, MD, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Opioid Tapering ◽  
One Year ◽  
Good Pain Control

Opioid tapering may be necessary for patients on long-term opioids. Here, the authors presented a patient who had uncontrolled chronic musculoskeletal pain while on chronic methadone. Upon methadone tapering, the patient had been taking methadone for longer than six years and had severe methadone-related adverse effects. Using multidisciplinary interventions of patient education and counseling, physical interventions, and nonopioid medications, patient’s methadone was discontinued after longer than one year tapering with relatively good pain control. The tapering process highlights the importance of pain management during opioid tapering using multidisciplinary interventions to prevent and treat opioid withdrawal and pain relapses.

scholarly journals 2-Week Post-Operative Opioid Use after Primary Hallux Valgus Correction

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0046
Author(s):  
Zachary T. Thier ◽  
Kenna C. Altobello ◽  
Tyler A. Gonzalez ◽  
J. Ben Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pain Medication ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Objective Data ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Adductor Canal ◽  
Post Operative Pain

Category: Bunion; Other Introduction/Purpose: More than 200,000 surgeries for hallux valgus correction occur annually in the United States. Due to the post-operative pain associated with the procedure, opioids are often prescribed to help manage pain. The opioid epidemic has led to a 78-billion-dollar economic impact. Given the lack of objective data on opioid use and the difficulty of addressing a patient’s post-operative pain, we sought to quantify, through a prospective analysis, patient’s narcotic use after hallux valgus surgery. Objective data may help guide the surgeon in the type and number of opioids utilized after surgery. Methods: Adult patients undergoing primary hallux valgus surgery were recruited from two surgeon’s institution. At the pre- operative visit, patients were consented and completed a demographical questionnaire. Data was collected from the operative and PACU record, as well as the 2-week post-operative visit. A simple statistical analysis was performed to determine average quantity and type of opioid and non-opioid pain medication used in the PACU and for post-operative pain management. Results: 33 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed. The average time until the first post-operative clinic visit was 13.53 days. The average opioid pain medication consumption during this period was 20.766 (0-66) pills, with a morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg of body weight at 1.69. (78.8%) were prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325mg and 7 subjects (21.2%) were prescribed oxycodone/acetaminophen 5/325 for post-operative pain management. 84.8% of subjects (28/33) received a local block, including 2 femoral, 2 ankle, 13 popliteal, 3 sciatic, 3 adductor canal, 4 popliteal and saphenous, and 1 popliteal and adductor canal. 24.2% (8/33) of subjects received opioid pain medication in the PACU post-operatively with a MME/kg of body weight at 0.135 per subject. Conclusion: Based on our prospective study, we recommend an initial prescription of 30 5mg hydro/oxycodone pain pills, as this represents the 3rd quartile of consumption.

scholarly journals Characterizing the Effect of Opioid Tablet Strength on Post-Operative Opioid Consumption Following ACL Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0050
Author(s):  
Ehab Nazzal
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Lower Strength ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Tablet Strength ◽  
Management Protocol

Objectives: Prescription opioid abuse continues to be a national crisis in the United States. Orthopaedic surgeons contribute significantly to this crisis, prescribing nearly a tenth of annual opioid prescriptions. With Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction being a common orthopaedic procedure performed at high volumes, understanding how physician opioid prescribing practices affects patient post-operative opioid utilization is of critical importance to curbing the orthopaedic contribution to the opioid epidemic. We aimed to assess how opioid tablet strength affects post-operative opioid consumption following ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that prescribing a lower strength opioid tablet would not adversely influence post-operative pain or increase opioid consumption Methods: All data was collected prospectively from patients undergoing ACL reconstruction at a single academic ambulatory surgery center.All patients received the same peri-operative pain management protocol, which consisted of an adductor canal block at the time of surgery, Naprosyn 500 mg to be taken as needed, and pre-operative opioid education that outlined safe opioid use practice. Percocet was prescribed at two dosages in a consecutive fashion. Between March 2018 to October 2018, patients received Percocet at a strength of 7.5 mg (7.5 mg Oxycodone/325 Acetaminophen). From November 2018 to May 2019, patients received prescriptions at a dose of 5 mg. At the first post-operative clinic visit, patients completed a survey describing the quantity of opioid tablets consumed, days of postoperative opioid use, and opioid-related adverse effects. In addition, patients used a smart-phone application to assess post-operative pain on a numeric rating scale from post-operative day (POD) 1 to POD 6. Results: 148 patients were prospectively enrolled. 78 (51.3%) received Percocet at a strength of 7.5 mg per tablet and 69 (46.9%)received Percocet at a strength of 5 mg. The median age was 23 years (interquartile range: 18-36) and 49.7% were female. The 7.5 mg cohort took an average of 12.4 tablets (±7.0), while the 5 mg cohort took an average of 8.6 (±7.4) tablets, a 3.7 tablet decrease (p=0.002). Both cohorts consumed opioids for the same amount of post-operative days (5mg cohort: 3.1 days, 7.5mg cohort: 3.5 days; p=0.289). The incidence of opioid related side effect were equivalent between the 5 mg and 7.5 mg cohorts, which included constipation (34.8% and 34.6%, p=0.983), euphoria (5.8% v. 10.3%, p=0.324), nausea/vomiting (13.0% v. 16.7%, p=0.539), fatigue (2.9% v. 6.4%, p0.319), and pruritus (2.9% v. 5.1%, p=0.495). There was no difference in post-operative numeric pain scores in the 5 mg vs. the 7.5 mg cohort (POD 1: 5.7 ±1.9 vs. 5.4 ± 2.0, p=0.633; POD 6: 3.3 ± 2.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.8, p=0.726). Conclusion: Prescribing a lower strength of oxycodone after ACL reconstruction did not increase pain scores or opioid consumption.This suggests that it is possible to achieve similar pain control while lowering the total opioid prescribed. These finding support future research focusing on optimizing pain control at minimal opioid doses.

Impact of a pharmacist-directed pain management service on inpatient opioid use, pain control, and patient safety

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H Poirier ◽  
Clint S Brown ◽  
Yleana T Baggenstos ◽  
Sarah G Walden ◽  
Nicole Y Gann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Opioid Use

scholarly journals EP.WE.501The Role of Nerve Sheath Catheters after Major Lower Limb Amputations in Post-operative Pain Control

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara Vincenti ◽  
Nisheeth Kansal ◽  
Vishwanath Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Nerve Sheath ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Pain Outcomes

Abstract Aim Pain is a common post-operative complication after limb amputation. Though the evidence is mixed, current literature suggests nerve sheath catheters (NSC) have no effect on chronic stump pain, phantom limb pain or post-operative pain score but reduces opioid use. This study aims to compare pain outcomes in those with and without NSC after above knee amputations (AKA) and below knee amputations (BKA). Method This retrospective study collected information from 32 patients after lower-limb amputation from April 2014 - March 2017. Information regarding indication, anaesthetic and morphine requirement at 72 hours were collected from medical records and standardised questions used to assess phantom limb pain, chronic limb pain and pain intensity (1-10) at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results Of the 11 patients who received a NSC catheter for pain control, 33% experienced no post-operative pain, 18% experienced phantom limb pain, 18% reported chronic limb pain and 62% required higher dosages of morphine at 72 hours. However, two patients used large amounts of morphine potentially giving spurious results. In comparison, of those patients without NCS, 43% experienced no pain, 9% experienced phantom limb pain, 33% reported chronic limb pain and only 47% required morphine at 72 hours and at lower doses compared to with NSC. The incidence of phantom limb pain was higher in those who had AKA regardless of the analgesic technique used. Conclusion Patients with NSC were less likely to experience chronic limb pain thus proving their role in post-operative pain control despite having higher morphine requirements.

scholarly journals Perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family members on long-term opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rattaphol Seangrung ◽  
Thongchai Tempeetikul ◽  
Supasit Pannarunothai ◽  
Supalak Sakdanuwatwong
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Opioid Use

Abstract Background Opioids are currently prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), and some patients use opioids continuously for long-term treatment. Stakeholders’ awareness about long-term opioid therapy is essential for improving the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family caregivers about long-term opioid use in CNCP management. Methods This study was a qualitative study and adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Pain specialists (n = 12), patients (n = 14), and family members (n = 9) were recruited to the study by purposive sampling at the Pain Clinic of Ramathibodi Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, verbatim transcribed, conceptually coded, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 8.0. Results All groups of participants described opioids as non-first-line drugs for pain management. Opioids should be prescribed only for severe pain, when non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological therapies are not effective. Patients reported that the benefits of opioids were for pain relief, while physicians and most family members highlighted that opioid use should improve functional outcomes. Physicians and family members expressed concerns about opioid-related side effects, harm, and adverse events, while patients did not. Patients confirmed that they would continue using opioids for pain management under supervision. However, physicians stated that they would taper off or discontinue opioid therapy if patients’ pain relief or functional improvement was not achieved. Both patients and family members were willing to consider non-pharmacological therapies if potential benefits existed. Patient education, doctor–patient/family relationships, and opioid prescription policies were proposed to enhance CNCP management. Conclusion Long-term opioid therapy for CNCP may be beneficial in patients who have established realistic treatment goals (for both pain relief and functional improvement) with their physicians. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the risks and benefits, adverse events, and drug-related aberrant behaviors are necessary. Integrated multimodal multidisciplinary therapies and family member collaborations are also important for improving CNCP management.

scholarly journals Stemming the Tide of Opioid Addiction—Dramatic Reductions in Postoperative Opioid Requirements Through Preoperative Education and a Standardized Analgesic Regimen

2019 ◽  
Vol 185 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 436-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowan R Sheldon ◽  
Jessica B Weiss ◽  
Woo S Do ◽  
Dominic M Forte ◽  
Preston L Carter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Management Protocol ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Nonopioid Analgesics

Abstract Introduction Surgery is a known gateway to opioid use that may result in long-term morbidity. Given the paucity of evidence regarding the appropriate amount of postoperative opioid analgesia and variable prescribing education, we investigated prescribing habits before and after institution of a multimodal postoperative pain management protocol. Materials and Methods Laparoscopic appendectomies, laparoscopic cholecystectomies, inguinal hernia repairs, and umbilical hernia repairs performed at a tertiary military medical center from 01 October 2016 until 30 September 2017 were examined. Prescriptions provided at discharge, oral morphine equivalents (OME), repeat prescriptions, and demographic data were obtained. A pain management regimen emphasizing nonopioid analgesics was then formulated and implemented with patient education about expected postoperative outcomes. After implementation, procedures performed from 01 November 2017 until 28 February 2018 were then examined and analyzed. Additionally, a patient satisfaction survey was provided focusing on efficacy of postoperative pain control. Results Preprotocol, 559 patients met inclusion criteria. About 97.5% were provided an opioid prescription, but prescriptions varied widely (256 OME, standard deviation [SD] 109). Acetaminophen was prescribed often (89.5%), but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescriptions were rare (14.7%). About 6.1% of patients required repeat opioid prescriptions. After implementation, 181 patients met inclusion criteria. Initial opioid prescriptions decreased 69.8% (77 OME, SD 35; P < 0.001), while repeat opioid prescriptions remained statistically unchanged (2.79%; P = 0.122). Acetaminophen prescribing rose to 96.7% (P = 0.002), and NSAID utilization increased to 71.0% (P < 0.001). Postoperative survey data were obtained in 75 patients (41.9%). About 68% stated that they did not use all of the opioids prescribed and 81% endorsed excellent or good pain control throughout their postoperative course. Conclusions Appropriate preoperative counseling and utilization of nonopioid analgesics can dramatically reduce opioid use while maintaining high patient satisfaction. Patient-reported data suggest that even greater reductions may be possible.

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