Articles: opioid-analgesics.
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Restrictive state and payer policies may be effective in reducing opioid prescribing by surgeons, but their impact has not been well studied. In 2017, Washington Medicaid implemented an opiod prescribing limit of 42 pills, prompting a large regional safety-net hospital to implement a decision support intervention in response. We aimed to evaluate the effects on surgeons' prescribing. ⋯ In a large regional safety-net institution, postoperative opioid prescriptions decreased in size over time, with immediate changes associated with a state Medicaid policy and corresponding decision support intervention. These findings pose implications for surgeons, hospital leaders, and payers seeking to address opioid use via judicious prescribing.
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Single-shot intrathecal morphine (ITM) is an effective strategy for postoperative analgesia, but there are limited data on its safety, efficacy, and relationship with functional recovery among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. ⋯ ITM was associated with reduced early postoperative and total inpatient opioid utilization, days to functional recovery, and length of stay among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. ITM is a safe and effective form of perioperative analgesia that may benefit patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
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The opioid crisis in the USA and in other developed countries can potentially affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The licit medical use of opioids has two sides. The USA and high-income countries maintain abundant supply for medical prescription. ⋯ Physicians and nurses in Asia and Africa engaged in cancer pain relief and palliative care face a constant paucity of opioids. Millions of patients in LMICs, suffering from life-modifying cancer pain, do not have access to morphine and other essential opioids, due to restrictive opioid policies. Attention will be needed to improve opioid availability in large parts of the world, even though the opioid crisis has led to control the licit medical use in the USA.
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Letter Observational Study
Effect of race on opioid drug overdose deaths in the United States: an observational cross-sectional study.