Opioid Knowledge and Prescribing Preferences of Orthopaedic Surgery Residents Before and After an Educational Intervention

Orthopaedic surgeons are among the highest prescribers of opioids. This study explores the effect of an educational intervention on orthopaedic surgery residents’ opioid knowledge and prescribing practices. Orthopaedic residents were surveyed 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 orthopaedic procedures, and state laws regulating prescribing. Following this intervention, residents were given a post-survey to complete. There was 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 orthopaedic procedures decreased between the pre- and post-tests. 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. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):030–033, 2022)

Key words: opioid, resident, education, counseling