Implementing and Evaluating a Multihospital Standardized Opioid Curriculum for Surgical Providers

(1) To identify gaps in providers knowledge on opioid medication and dosing, patient-specific characteristics that require alterations in dosing, and patient monitoring and treatment adjustments. (2) To evaluate an educational intervention aimed at minimizing these deficits.

Observational prospective study. Providers took an anonymous paired pre-and posteducation knowledge assessment before and after participating in a 75-minute educational session. Results before and after the educational session were compared.

Surgical providers included nurse practitioners, physician assistants, preinterns, and general surgery residents across 4 quaternary care hospitals in Boston. Participants There were 194 participants and 174 completed both pre- and posteducation knowledge assessments.

Average scores on the educational assessment increased from 59% before the course to 68% after the session. Posteducation, providers reported increased comfort in prescribing and 95% stated that the curriculum would impact their practice.

Surgical providers at multiple hospitals have significant gaps in knowledge for optimal prescribing and management of opioid prescriptions. A 75-minute opioid education session increased prescriber knowledge as well as comfort in prescribing. This multicenter study demonstrates how an educational initiative can be implemented broadly and result in decreased knowledge gaps.