The Opioid Epidemic in 2017: Are We Making Progress?

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The late 1990s emphasis on pain control as the fifth vital sign led to increased opioid prescribing.
• This surge in opioid use contributed to the onset of the opioid epidemic.
• Growing misuse of opioids mandates more responsible prescribing practices by healthcare providers across specialties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the opioid epidemic and its impact on physicians and patients.
• To highlight patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and acute postoperative pain as being at higher risk for opioid abuse.
• To identify patient characteristics indicative of potential opioid abuse or misuse.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of the opioid epidemic, its causes, and consequences.
• Analysis of intraoperative techniques developed to reduce postoperative pain medication needs.
• Identification of risk factors and patient behaviors associated with opioid abuse.

Main Results:

• Several intraoperative techniques have emerged to minimize the need for postoperative opioid analgesia.
• Key patient background and behavioral features can predict potential for opioid abuse or misuse.
• The epidemic has significantly impacted both healthcare providers and patient care.

Conclusions:

• Responsible opioid prescribing is crucial, especially for patients with severe pain.
• Implementing specific intraoperative strategies can decrease reliance on postoperative opioids.
• Understanding patient risk factors is essential for preventing opioid abuse and guiding treatment strategies.