This study aimed to analyze the connection between surgeon opioid prescribing intensity and patients’ subsequent persistent opioid use post-surgery. The results indicate that patients with surgeons in the highest intensity quartile were more likely to fill opioid prescriptions within 7 days after surgery compared to those with surgeons in the lowest quartile. While the primary analysis showed a rare incidence of persistent opioid use in both quartiles, stricter definitions revealed a significant association between surgeon quartile and persistent use. Surgeons’ prescribing practices may contribute to persistent opioid use and should be targeted for improvement.
Journal Article by Wunsch H, Hill AD (…) Neuman MD et 5 al. in Ann Surg
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.