Patterns of opioid use after surgical discharge: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 25 countries
Authors' conclusion
Our data suggest that the current quantities of opioids provided at discharge exceed patient needs and may contribute to increasing community opioid use and circulation.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing common general, orthopaedic, gynaecological and urological surgery, 144 hospitals in 25 countries
- Participants
- 4,273 adults · 144 hospitals · 25 countries
- Outcome
- Quantities of prescribed and consumed opioids in oral MME
- Follow-up
- 7 days after discharge
Methodological detailsinternational, multicentre
- International
- Multicentre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Patients prescribed opioids at discharge
1311
30.7%
Oral MME prescribed (patients prescribed opioids), mean (SD)
179
240
Oral MME consumed within first 7 days after discharge, mean (SD)
81
145
Higher dose prescribed associated with higher dose consumed, β
0.33 (0.31-0.34), p < 0.001 (95% CI)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Risk of prescribing more opioids than consumed
- Increased as quantities prescribed at discharge exceeded 100 oral MME, independent of comorbidity, procedure and pain
Original publication
Patterns of opioid use after surgical discharge: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 25 countries. Anaesthesia. Published 9 May 2024. doi:10.
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