Opioid prescription at postoperative discharge: a retrospective observational cohort study

Opioid misuse is now considered a major public health epidemic in North America, with substantial social and financial consequences. As well as socio-economic commercial drivers, modifiable risk-factors that have resulted this crisis been identified. The purpose of study was to identify whether, within England, drivers for persistent postoperative opioid use were present. This retrospective cohort practice at 14 National Health Service hospitals across England. Data collected retrospectively validated adult patients undergoing elective intermediate or complex general surgical procedures between 1 31 March 2019. Of the 509 enrolled from centres, 499 included data analysis. In total, 31.5% (157/499) surgery 68.5% (342/499) cohort, 21.0% (33/157) 21.6% (74/342) discharged medicines be taken regular intervals, respectively. There similar median oral morphine equivalent doses prescribed discharge. medicines, 76.6% (82/107) had specified duration However, 72.9% (78/107) no written deprescribing advice on Similarly, ‘when required’ opioids, 59.6% (93/156) their prescription 33.3% (52/156) given advice. has identified pattern poor prescribing practices, lack guidance formal training individual institutions highlights opportunities improvement opioid-prescribing practices