Victoria Huynh1, Kathryn Colborn2, Nicole Christian2, Kristin Rojas3, Mark Nehler2, Michael Bronsert2, Ethan Cumbler2, Gretchen Ahrendt2, Sarah Tevis2. 1. Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. Electronic address: Victoria.d.huynh@cuanschutz.edu. 2. Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. 3. Dewitt-Daughtry Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate deficiencies in knowledge and education in opioid prescribing and to compare surgical resident opioid-prescribing practices to Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) procedure-specific guidelines. DESIGN: Anonymous web-based survey distributed to all general surgery residents to evaluate prior education received and confidence in knowledge in opioid prescribing. The number of 5 milligram oxycodone tablets prescribed for common procedures was assessed and compared with OPEN for significance using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. SETTING: General surgery residency program within large university-based tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Categorical general surgery residents of all postgraduate years. RESULTS: Fifty-six of 72 (78%) categorical residents completed the survey. Few reported receiving formal education in opioid prescribing in medical school (32%) or residency (16%). While 82% of residents felt confident in opioid side effects, fewer felt the same with regards to opioid pharmacokinetics (36%) or proper opioid disposal (29%). Opioids prescribed varied widely with residents prescribing significantly more than recommended by OPEN in 9 of 14 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Tackling the evolving opioid epidemic requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses prescribing at all steps of the process, starting with trainee education.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate deficiencies in knowledge and education in opioid prescribing and to compare surgical resident opioid-prescribing practices to Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) procedure-specific guidelines. DESIGN: Anonymous web-based survey distributed to all general surgery residents to evaluate prior education received and confidence in knowledge in opioid prescribing. The number of 5 milligram oxycodone tablets prescribed for common procedures was assessed and compared with OPEN for significance using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. SETTING: General surgery residency program within large university-based tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Categorical general surgery residents of all postgraduate years. RESULTS: Fifty-six of 72 (78%) categorical residents completed the survey. Few reported receiving formal education in opioid prescribing in medical school (32%) or residency (16%). While 82% of residents felt confident in opioid side effects, fewer felt the same with regards to opioid pharmacokinetics (36%) or proper opioid disposal (29%). Opioids prescribed varied widely with residents prescribing significantly more than recommended by OPEN in 9 of 14 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Tackling the evolving opioid epidemic requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses prescribing at all steps of the process, starting with trainee education.