Patient Knowledge on Pain Management and Safe Opioid Use

Opioids are frequently prescribed to treat pain after surgery, and while these medications may be effective analgesics they are also susceptible to misuse and addiction. There are growing concerns that prescription opioids contribute to the existing opioid supply and become potential sources for abuse1,2. In fact, opioids are often abused by those using medications not prescribed to them but obtained from friends or relatives3,4.

Many patients who undergo surgery are not given adequate information about opioids and strategies for postoperative pain management. Studies find that inadequate knowledge and inability to recall postoperative pain regimens result in poor compliance5. Many patients are also unaware of how to properly store and dispose of prescription opioids1,6 and this predisposes them to opioid misuse and improper saving and sharing of pills6.

Little is known, however, about the specific gaps in knowledge and what patient demographics may be associated with lack of understanding. As an initial step toward addressing these issues, this study seeks to identify deficiencies in patient understanding of opioids and pain management.

Inclusion criteria

• Age range between 18 and 80 years old
• Undergoing primary total hip replacement surgery
• English speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Medical background (profession that involves the prescribing, dispensing, handling, or administering of opioids)
• History of chronic opioid use (continuous opioid use for 3 or more months)
• Opioid use within the past 3 months
• Non-English speakers