Preoperative Narcotic Education in Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neurosurgery
• Public Health

Background:

• The opioid crisis necessitates strategies to reduce postoperative opioid use.
• Preoperative education's impact on opioid consumption after spine surgery is understudied.
• Orthopedists are primary opioid prescribers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative opioid education in reducing opioid consumption post-spine surgery.
• To identify the most effective educational modalities for decreasing opioid use.

Main Methods:

• Patients received standard care or formal education via video, handouts, small class, or one-on-one sessions.
• Opioid consumption was measured in morphine equivalents (MME) at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery.
• Refill prescriptions were tracked via electronic medical records.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in opioid use at 2 weeks post-surgery.
• Significant reductions in opioid consumption at 1 and 3 months for all education groups.
• Sustained significant reductions at 6 months for video and class education groups.

Conclusions:

• A combined approach of video and handout education effectively decreases opioid dosage six months after spine surgery.
• Formal preoperative education can facilitate early opioid cessation.
• Targeted educational interventions are crucial for managing postoperative opioid use.