Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons
Abstract Background Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing, challenging surgeons to adjust post-operative pain management guidelines. A literature review identified limited information on how to best care for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine surgical periope...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Patient Safety in Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-024-00392-1 |
| _version_ | 1797273576725807104 |
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| author | Jessica R. Burgess Kathleen C. Heneghan Tarra G. Barot Jonah J. Stulberg |
| author_facet | Jessica R. Burgess Kathleen C. Heneghan Tarra G. Barot Jonah J. Stulberg |
| author_sort | Jessica R. Burgess |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing, challenging surgeons to adjust post-operative pain management guidelines. A literature review identified limited information on how to best care for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine surgical perioperative management of OUD, challenges, and support needed for optimal care. Methods This study utilized an anonymous voluntary survey that was distributed to members of the American College of Surgeons through the association’s electronic weekly newsletter. The survey was advertised weekly for three consecutive weeks. The survey included questions regarding surgeons’ management of perioperative pain in patients with opioid use disorder and perceived barriers in treatment. Results A total of 260 surgeons responded representing all specialties except ophthalmology. General surgery (66.5%) and plastic and reconstructive surgery (7.5%) represented the majority of responders. Ninety-five percent of surgeons reported treating a patient who used opioids in the past month and 86% encountered a patient with OUD. Nearly half (46%) reported being uncomfortable managing postoperative pain in patients with OUD. Most (67%) were not aware of any guidelines or standards pertaining to perioperative management of patients with OUD. While consultation was sought by 86% of surgeons, analyses identified lack of timely response and a lack of care coordination among specialists. Lack of knowledge and fear of harm (contributing further to addiction) were the most common themes. Conclusion Nearly half of surgeons report discomfort caring for patients with OUD with the vast majority involving a consulting service to assist with their care. Most surgeons believe that it would be helpful to have guidelines regarding the care of these patients. This provides an opportunity for increased education and training on the perioperative management of patients with OUD and further collaboration with addiction medicine, psychiatry and pain management colleagues. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:46:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-23ed712887614980b1c31244bd086010 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1754-9493 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:46:23Z |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Patient Safety in Surgery |
| spelling | doaj.art-23ed712887614980b1c31244bd0860102024-03-05T19:58:23ZengBMCPatient Safety in Surgery1754-94932024-03-0118111110.1186/s13037-024-00392-1Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of SurgeonsJessica R. Burgess0Kathleen C. Heneghan1Tarra G. Barot2Jonah J. Stulberg3Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical SchoolDivision of Education, American College of SurgeonsDivision of Education, American College of SurgeonsDepartment of Surgery, University of Texas HoustonAbstract Background Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are increasing, challenging surgeons to adjust post-operative pain management guidelines. A literature review identified limited information on how to best care for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine surgical perioperative management of OUD, challenges, and support needed for optimal care. Methods This study utilized an anonymous voluntary survey that was distributed to members of the American College of Surgeons through the association’s electronic weekly newsletter. The survey was advertised weekly for three consecutive weeks. The survey included questions regarding surgeons’ management of perioperative pain in patients with opioid use disorder and perceived barriers in treatment. Results A total of 260 surgeons responded representing all specialties except ophthalmology. General surgery (66.5%) and plastic and reconstructive surgery (7.5%) represented the majority of responders. Ninety-five percent of surgeons reported treating a patient who used opioids in the past month and 86% encountered a patient with OUD. Nearly half (46%) reported being uncomfortable managing postoperative pain in patients with OUD. Most (67%) were not aware of any guidelines or standards pertaining to perioperative management of patients with OUD. While consultation was sought by 86% of surgeons, analyses identified lack of timely response and a lack of care coordination among specialists. Lack of knowledge and fear of harm (contributing further to addiction) were the most common themes. Conclusion Nearly half of surgeons report discomfort caring for patients with OUD with the vast majority involving a consulting service to assist with their care. Most surgeons believe that it would be helpful to have guidelines regarding the care of these patients. This provides an opportunity for increased education and training on the perioperative management of patients with OUD and further collaboration with addiction medicine, psychiatry and pain management colleagues.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-024-00392-1Opioid use disorderPostoperative analgesiaOpioid dependencePerioperative management |
| spellingShingle | Jessica R. Burgess Kathleen C. Heneghan Tarra G. Barot Jonah J. Stulberg Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons Patient Safety in Surgery Opioid use disorder Postoperative analgesia Opioid dependence Perioperative management |
| title | Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons |
| title_full | Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons |
| title_fullStr | Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons |
| title_full_unstemmed | Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons |
| title_short | Surgeons’ knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder: a survey among 260 members of the American College of Surgeons |
| title_sort | surgeons knowledge regarding perioperative pain management in patients with opioid use disorder a survey among 260 members of the american college of surgeons |
| topic | Opioid use disorder Postoperative analgesia Opioid dependence Perioperative management |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-024-00392-1 |
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