Does Engaging Patients with Relevant Education About Long-Term Opioid Use Before Spine Surgery Affect Long-term...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Long-term opioid use is prevalent after spine surgery, affecting over half of patients.
• Effective strategies are needed to mitigate this significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an enhanced video education session on reducing long-term opioid utilization post-spine surgery.
• To assess the impact of targeted education on patient opioid consumption and long-term dependence.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-arm randomized controlled trial involving 120 patients undergoing spine surgery.
• Participants received either enhanced video education or usual care preoperatively.
• Opioid utilization was tracked for one year post-surgery using pharmacy data; pain was self-reported weekly and at six months.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in opioid use (prescription fills, days' supply, morphine milligram equivalents) were observed between the enhanced education and control groups.
• The incidence of long-term opioid utilization was similar in both groups (12 in standard care vs. 13 in enhanced education).
• Previous opioid use emerged as a robust predictor of post-surgical opioid consumption.

Conclusions:

• The single-session enhanced video education intervention did not alter opioid use patterns after spine surgery.
• Current educational strategies may require enhancement to effectively influence patient decision-making regarding opioid use.
• Further research into improving patient engagement and understanding of opioid risks is crucial for mitigating long-term opioid use.