BACKGROUND: Excessive opioid prescribing is common in surgical oncology with 72% of prescribed opioids going unused after curative-intent surgery. In this study, we sought to reduce opioid prescribing after breast and melanoma procedures by designing and implementing an intervention focused on education and prescribing guidelines. We then evaluated the impact of this intervention. METHODS: In this single-institution study, we designed and implemented an intervention targeting key factors identified in qualitative interviews. This included mandatory education for prescribers, evidence-based prescribing guidelines, and standardized patient instructions. After the intervention, interrupted time series analysis was used to compare the mean quantity of opioid prescribed before and after the intervention (July 2016-September 2017). We also evaluated the frequency of opioid prescription refills. RESULTS: During the study, 847 patients underwent breast or melanoma procedures and received an opioid prescription. For mastectomy or wide local excision for melanoma, the mean quantity of opioid prescribed immediately decreased by 37% after the intervention (P=0.03), equivalent to 13 tablets of 5mg oxycodone. For lumpectomy or breast biopsy, the mean quantity of opioid prescribed decreased by 42% or 12 tablets of 5mg oxycodone (P=0.07). Furthermore, opioid prescription refills did not significantly change for mastectomy/wide local excision (13% vs. 14%, P=0.8), or lumpectomy/breast biopsy (4% vs. 5%, P=0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Education and prescribing guidelines reduced opioid prescribing for breast and melanoma procedures without increasing the need for refills. This suggests further reductions in opioid prescribing may be possible, and provides rationale for implementing similar interventions for other procedures and practice settings.

Among surgical patients who developed new persistent opioid use, surgeons provide the majority of opioid prescriptions during the first 3 months after surgery. By 9 to 12 months after surgery, however, the majority of opioid prescriptions were provided by primary care physicians. Enhanced care coordination between surgeons and primary care physicians could allow earlier identification of patients at risk for new persistent opioid use to prevent misuse and dependence.

After implementing evidence-based opioid prescribing recommendations for a single surgical procedure, opioid prescribing decreased for 4 other surgical procedures. Requests for refills did not increase substantially. This spillover effect demonstrates the potential impact of raising awareness about safe and appropriate opioid prescribing after operations.

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