A survey study assessing prescribers' opioid tapering instructions to patients after orthopedic surgery
William Chan1, Samuel Schuessler2, Steven Magid3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
Objective:
The purpose of this institutional survey study was to assess the opioid tapering practices of prescribers responsible for writing post-discharge opioid refills.
Design:
A prospective, cross-sectional survey study.
Setting:
Urban hospital specializing in orthopedic surgery.
Participants:
Participants were identified from the hospital's active directory. Out of 251 questionnaires distributed, 88 were returned and evaluated; 60 percent were surgeons and 34 percent were physician assistants.
Intervention:
An anonymous, voluntary eight-item survey was devised to capture information on tapering instructions from prescribers of post-discharge opioids.
Main Outcome Measures:
Survey responses categorized by role and primary service.
Results:
All prescribers (N = 47) provide tapering instructions; 87 percent provide general, while 9 percent provide detailed plans. Most (94 percent) prescribers discuss tapering via phone calls or during office visits, and 6 percent provide written instructions.
Conclusions:
Few prescribers provide detailed tapering instructions. Providers may not feel equipped to provide specific tapering plans.
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