Implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol after vaginal delivery and postpartum opioid consumption: a single-center retrospective study (2018–2023)
Authors' conclusion
Implementation of a multimodal analgesia regimen was associated with significant reductions in opioid exposure after vaginal delivery.
Study context
- Population
- Vaginal delivery patients
- Participants
- 2,666 vs 2,316
- Exposure
- Post-protocol vs pre-protocol
- 2018n = 2,666reference
- 2023n = 2,316
- Outcome
- Inpatient opioid use, MME and outpatient opioid prescriptions
Methodological detailssingle-centre, before-after (pre-protocol vs post-protocol)
- Single-centre
- Before-after (pre-protocol vs post-protocol)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Inpatient opioid administration (unadjusted)
P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Average decrease (mg morphine equivalents) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| MME among patients administered opioids (inpatient) | 11.2 | P < 0.001 |
Outpatient opioid prescription rate
- Outpatient prescription rate declined (unadjusted)
- 19.2% to 1.9%
- P < 0.001
Inpatient opioid use by race (adjusted)
- White vs Black patients: less likely to receive an inpatient opioid
- 25%
- White vs Black patients: less MME given
- 2.98 mg morphine equivalents
- Adjusted models
- P < 0.001
Original publication
Implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol after vaginal delivery and postpartum opioid consumption: a single-center retrospective study (2018–2023). Int J Obstet Anesth. Published 18 August 2026. doi:10.
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