Impact of an Educational Intervention on the Opioid Knowledge and Prescribing Behaviors of Resident Physicians
AUTHORS
Pankti Acharya, MPH
Asif M. Ilyas, MD, MBA
ABSTRACT
Background
Orthopaedic surgeons are among the highest prescribers of opioids. We sought to determine the effect of an educational intervention on orthopaedic surgery residents’ opioid knowledge and prescribing practices.
Methods
We surveyed orthopaedic residents at three urban academic institutions. A pre-survey was administered to residents prior to an educational lecture and case-based session. This included background on the opioid epidemic, multimodal analgesia, opioid consumption in common orthopedic procedures, and state laws regulating prescribing. Following this intervention, residents were given a post-survey to complete.
Results
We found a significant increase in resident confidence concerning their opioid prescribing training (p=0.03) and their knowledge of alternative pain management therapies (p=0.03). This was accompanied by an objective improvement in knowledge of state prescribing laws and of metrics regarding the opioid epidemic. Hypothetical opioid pills prescribed after common orthopedic procedures decreased between the pre and post-tests.
Conclusions
The educational session significantly improved orthopaedic surgery residents’ knowledge about opioids and prescribing habits. Formal resident education on opioid knowledge and evidence-based prescribing strategies is an area of potential improvement to combat the opioid crisis.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT PRESENTED at the 2021 ANNUAL MEETING of the:
