Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
Impact of policy-based and institutional interventions on postoperative opioid prescribing practices
Ashley Titan1, Alexis Doyle1, Kayla Pfaff1
1Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA.
Background:
We assessed the impact of policy-based and institutional interventions to limit postoperative opioid prescribing.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic/open appendectomies, laparoscopic/open cholecystectomies, and laparoscopic/open inguinal hernia repair during a 6-month interval in 2018 (control), 2019 (post-policy intervention), and 2020 (post-institutional intervention) to assess changes in postoperative opioid prescribing patterns. A survey was collected for the 2020 cohort.
Results:
Comparing the 762 patients identified in 2018, 2019, and 2020 cohorts there was a significant decrease in mean opioid tabs prescribed (23.5 ± 8.9 vs. 16.2 ± 7.0 vs. 12.8 ± 4.9, p < 0.01) and mean OME dosage (148.0 ± 68.0 vs. 108.6 ± 51.8 vs. 95.4 ± 38.0, p < 0.01), without a difference in refill requests. Patient survey (response rate 63%) indicated 91.4% of patients reported sufficient pain control.
Conclusion:
Formalized opioid-prescribing guidelines and statewide regulations can significantly decrease postoperative opioid prescribing with good patient satisfaction. Surgeon education may facilitate efforts to minimize narcotic over-prescription without compromising pain management.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Opioid Receptors: Overview

