Enhancing Adherence to Opioid Prescribing Guidelines in a Hospital Setting

Adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines in a hospital setting was higher for total morphine milligram equivalents (mme) prescribed compared to number of days prescribed. Surgeons showed higher adherence for severe predicted pain cases in both mme and days prescribed. Attending physicians had higher adherence rates than residents/fellows. While improvements were noted from previous reports, further enhancements are needed to reduce the number of days opioids are prescribed and increase overall compliance with guidelines.