1 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0
We wanted to know how the opi-
oid crisis is impacting pain man-
agement strategies on the front-
lines of patient care and polled a
mix of surgeons, anesthesia
providers, nurses and facility
leaders to find out. The 61 who
responded to our online survey
last month provided a snapshot of
how opioids are used in facilities across the country. — Daniel Cook
Has the opioid crisis impacted the amount of
post-op opioids prescribed at your facility?
• No, we prescribe about the same 30%
• Yes, we prescribe a little less 30%
• Yes, we prescribe a lot less 40%
Do you prescribe a standard amount of
opioids based on procedures?
• Yes 43% • No 57%
What's your average days' supply of opioid prescriptions?
• 3 days 35%
• 5 days 13%
• 7 days 13%
• No set amount 16%
• We do not prescribe opioids 23%
READER SURVEY
Opioid Use on the Decline
• LESS IS MORE Awareness of the opioid epidemic has
reduced the amount of pills providers prescribe, but there's
still room for improvement in post-op pain management.
