Nurses' Experiences with Implementation of a Postcesarean Birth Opioid-Sparing Protocol

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pain Management
• Healthcare Implementation Science

Background:

• Opioid-sparing protocols are increasingly adopted to reduce opioid consumption after cesarean birth.
• These protocols leverage nonpharmacologic and nonopioid pain management strategies.
• A single institution observed a significant reduction in inpatient opioid prescribing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' experiences with an implemented opioid-sparing protocol.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to the protocol's successful integration into practice.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus groups with postpartum nurses.
• Data collection and analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
• Thematic coding of transcribed focus group data to identify barriers and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Fourteen experienced maternity nurses participated in three focus groups.
• Facilitators included high satisfaction with protocol efficacy, awareness of opioid risks, supportive staffing, and strong bedside pain management skills.
• The primary barrier identified was insufficient nurse engagement in protocol development and implementation.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced interprofessional collaboration throughout all implementation phases is crucial.
• This partnership is essential for the success and sustainability of evidence-based patient care practices.