The Effect of Preoperative Opioid Education on Opioid Consumption After Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Postoperative Opioid Prescribing via Rule-Based Guidelines Derived from In-Hospital Consumption: An Assessment of Efficacy Based on Postdischarge Opioid Use

BACKGROUND

Many institutions have developed operation-specific guidelines for opioid prescribing. These guidelines rarely incorporate in-hospital opioid consumption, which is highly correlated with consumption. We compare outcomes of several patient-centered approaches to prescribing that are derived from in-hospital consumption, including several experimental, rule-based prescribing guidelines and our current institutional guideline.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective, cohort study of all adults undergoing surgery at a single-academic medical center. Several rule-based guidelines, derived from in-hospital consumption (quantity of opioids consumed within 24 hours of discharge), were used to specify the theoretical quantity of opioid prescribed on discharge. The efficacy of the experimental guidelines was compared with 3 references: an approximation of our institution's tailored prescribing guideline; prescribing all patients the typical quantity of opioids consumed for patients undergoing the same operation; and a representative rule-based, tiered framework. For each scenario, we calculated the penalized residual sum of squares (reflecting the composite deviation from actual patient consumption, with 15% penalty for overprescribing) and the proportion of opioids consumed relative to prescribed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,048 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) quantity of opioids consumed within 24 hours of discharge were 11.2 (26.9) morphine milligram equivalents and 0 (0 to 15) morphine milligram equivalents. Median (IQR) postdischarge consumption was 16 (0 to 150) morphine milligram equivalents. Our institutional guideline and the previously validated rule-based guideline outperform alternate approaches, with median (IQR) differences in prescribed vs consumed opioids of 0 (-60 to 27.25) and 37.5 (-37.5 to 37.5), respectively, corresponding to penalized residual sum of squares of 39,817,602 and 38,336,895, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Rather than relying on fixed quantities for defined operations, rule-based guidelines offer a simple yet effective method for tailoring opioid prescribing to in-hospital consumption.

Current Evidence-based Approaches to Multimodal Pain Control and Opioid Minimization After Arthroscopic and Knee Preservation Surgery

Nonarthroplasty knee procedures are common and may cause a wide spectrum of postoperative pain, ranging from minimal to severe, depending on the patient, pathology, and procedure. Procedures include ligament repair and reconstruction, especially anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscal débridement, repair and transplant, periarticular osteotomy, and cartilage restoration. Multimodal analgesia regimens have been implemented successfully, but notable variation characterizes current protocols. Increased public and physician awareness of the burden of opioid usage in the United States has encouraged the medical community to embrace opioid-minimizing and nonopioid techniques to mitigate the deleterious effects of these medications. Nonopioid medications; anesthesia techniques; surgical techniques; and postoperative nonmedication strategies, including physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, cryotherapy, cognitive techniques, and non-Western interventions, can form part of an effective multimodal approach. A multimodal approach can facilitate adequate analgesia without compromising patient satisfaction or outcome.

The Impact of Preoperative Patient Education on Postoperative Pain, Opioid Use, and Psychological Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Background

Recent studies have shown that preoperative education can positively impact postoperative recovery, improving postoperative pain management and patient satisfaction. Gaps in preoperative education regarding postoperative pain and opioid use may lead to increased patient anxiety and persistent postoperative opioid use.

Objectives

The objective of this narrative review was to identify, examine, and summarize the available evidence on the use and effectiveness of preoperative educational interventions with respect to postoperative outcomes.

Method

The current narrative review focused on studies that assessed the impact of preoperative educational interventions on postoperative pain, opioid use, and psychological outcomes. The search strategy used concept blocks including "preoperative" AND "patient education" AND "elective surgery," limited to the English language, humans, and adults, using the MEDLINE ALL database. Studies reporting on preoperative educational interventions that included postoperative outcomes were included. Studies reporting on enhanced recovery after surgery protocols were excluded.

Results

From a total of 761 retrieved articles, 721 were screened in full and 34 met criteria for inclusion. Of 12 studies that assessed the impact of preoperative educational interventions on postoperative pain, 5 reported a benefit for pain reduction. Eight studies examined postoperative opioid use, and all found a significant reduction in opioid consumption after preoperative education. Twenty-four studies reported on postoperative psychological outcomes, and 20 of these showed benefits of preoperative education, especially on postoperative anxiety.

Conclusion

Preoperative patient education interventions demonstrate promise for improving postoperative outcomes. Preoperative education programs should become a prerequisite and an available resource for all patients undergoing elective surgery.

Preoperative education in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

International guidelines promote preoperative education for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, the evidence sustaining these recommendations comes mainly from studies for hip and knee replacement surgery. Little is known about patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. We aimed to map and characterize all the available evidence on preoperative education for patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.

METHODS

This study complies with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched eight databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. We performed cross-citations and revised the references of included studies. We included studies addressing preoperative education in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. We did not exclude studies because of the way of delivering education, the agent that provided it, or the content of the preoperative education addressed in the study. Two independent authors screened the articles and extracted the data. The aggregated data are presented in descriptive tables.

RESULTS

Of 1596 retrieved records, only 15 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four addressed preoperative education on patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery and the remaining 11 addressed a broader population, including patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery but did not provide separate data of them. Two studies reported that preoperative education decreases the length of stay of these patients, another reported that education increased the knowledge of the participants, and the other leaflets were well received by patients.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review demonstrates that evidence on preoperative education in foot and ankle surgery is scarce. The available evidence supports the implementation of preoperative education in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery for now. The best method of education and the real impact of this education remain to be determined.

Strategies for Reducing Perioperative Opioid Use in Foot and Ankle Surgery: Education, Risk Identification, and Multimodal Analgesia

There remains a high prevalence and substantial risks of opioid utilization amongst orthopedic patients. The goal of this review is to discuss strategies for responsible opioid use in the perioperative setting following foot and ankle orthopedic surgeries. We will highlight 1) education interventions, 2) risk identification, and 3) non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain management.

Standardized Opioid Counseling Is Underperformed Before and After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To characterize contemporary pain management strategies after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within the US and international orthopaedic community.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey-based study disseminated to a consortium of expert orthopaedic surgeons in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The survey was a 27-question, multiple choice-style questionnaire with question topics ranging from demographic characteristics and practice characteristics to surgeon-specific pain management strategies in the postoperative period after ACLR. Specific topics of interest included the use of preoperative opioid education and/or counseling sessions, implementation of standardized pain management regimens, use of pain tracking systems, and use of any adjunct non-narcotic analgesic modalities.

RESULTS

A total of 34 completed surveys were collected, representing a 73.9% response rate. Over 85% of respondents reported prescribing opioids as a standardized postoperative regimen after ACLR. Surgeons reported prescribing 5- to 10-mg doses, with the tablet count ranging anywhere from fewer than 10 tablets to more than 20 tablets, often instructing their patients to stop opioid use 2 to 4 days postoperatively. Prescribed dosages remained stable or decreased over the past 6 months with increased use of non-narcotic adjuncts. Only one-third of respondents reported using standardized preoperative opioid counseling, with even fewer discussing postoperative discontinuation protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 85% of respondents prescribe opioids as a standardized postoperative regimen after ACLR, with only 15% providing non-narcotic pain regimens. However, prescribed dosages have remained stable or decreased over the past 6 months with increased use of non-narcotic adjuncts. Only one-third of respondents use standardized preoperative opioid counseling, with even fewer discussing postoperative discontinuation protocols.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ongoing opioid epidemic has created an urgent need to identify the most effective pain management strategies after orthopaedic procedures, especially ACLR. This study provides important information about current pain management practices for patients who have undergone ACLR.

Improving Perioperative Pain Education for Patients Prescribed Opioids: An Integrative Review

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain is still inadequately managed for a significant number of patients despite the extensive use of opioids. Among several pain management strategies, patient education is a vital component of perioperative pain management. However, perioperative education practices remain inconsistent and incomplete in many hospital settings.

AIM

This integrative review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding pain education interventions across all phases of perioperative care in order to promote the safe use of opioids among patients prescribed opioids.

METHODS

The literature search identified 443 records published since 2016 through Cochrane Library, PubMed, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, and Embase. This review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The study settings varied from a general surgery center to multiple settings in the United States or Canada, with sample sizes ranging from 27 to 536. The main themes from the analysis include the key components of education, the optimal timing and frequency of education, education delivery methods, and a multidisciplinary team approach.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this review will help nursing professionals across surgical specialties identify effective educational approaches for patients prescribed opioids during the perioperative period. Developing education interventions based on these findings would enhance the quality and effectiveness of pain education, improve patient understanding and their preparedness to manage pain at home, and, ultimately, promote the safe use of opioids postoperatively.

Attitudes and Practices Surrounding Opioid Prescriptions following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius and Ankle Fractures: A Survey of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association Membership

Background

The past two decades have seen a significant increase in consequences associated with nonmedical misuse of prescription opioids, such as addiction and unintentional overdose deaths. This study aimed to use an electronic survey to assess attitudes and opioid-prescribing practices of Canadian orthopaedic surgeons and trainees following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius and ankle fractures. This study was the first to assess these factors following ORIF of distal radius and ankle fractures using a survey design.

Methods

A 40-item survey was developed focusing on four themes: respondent demographics, opioid-prescribing practice, patients with substance use disorders, and drug diversion. The survey was distributed among members of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent demographics and outcomes of interest. A Chi-square test was used to determine if proportion of opioid prescriptions between attending surgeons and surgeons in training was equal.

Results

191 surveys were completed. Most respondents prescribed 10-40 tabs of immediate-release opioids, though this number varied considerably. While most respondents believed patients consumed only 40-80% of the prescribed opioids (73.6%), only 28.7% of respondents counselled patients on safe storage/disposal of leftover opioids. 30.5% of respondents felt confident in their knowledge of opioid use and mechanisms of addiction. Most respondents desired further education on topics such as procedure-based opioid-prescribing protocols (74.2%), alternative pain management strategies (69.7%), and mechanisms of opioid addiction (49.0%).

Conclusions

The principle finding of this study is the lack of a standardized approach to postoperative prescribing in distal radius and ankle fractures, illustrated by the wide range in number of opioids prescribed by Canadian orthopaedic surgeons. Our data suggest a trend towards overprescription among respondents following distal radius and ankle ORIF. Future studies should aim to rationalize interventions targeted at reducing postoperative opioid prescribing for common orthopaedic trauma procedures.

The Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain: Synopsis of the 2022 Updated U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline

DESCRIPTION

In May 2022, leadership within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved a joint clinical practice guideline for the use of opioids when managing chronic pain. This synopsis summarizes the recommendations that the authors believe are the most important to highlight.

METHODS

In December 2020, the VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Work Group assembled a team to update the 2017 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. The guideline development team included clinical stakeholders and conformed to the National Academy of Medicine's tenets for trustworthy clinical practice guidelines. The guideline team developed key questions to guide a systematic evidence review that was done by an independent third party and distilled 20 recommendations for care using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. The guideline team also created 3 one-page algorithms to help guide clinical decision making. This synopsis presents the recommendations and highlights selected recommendations on the basis of clinical relevance.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This guideline is intended for clinicians who may be considering opioid therapy to manage patients with chronic pain. This synopsis reviews updated recommendations for the initiation and continuation of opioid therapy; dose, duration, and taper of opioids; screening, assessment, and evaluation; and risk mitigation. New additions are highlighted, including recommendations about the use of buprenorphine instead of full agonist opioids; assessing for behavioral health conditions and factors associated with higher risk for harm, such as pain catastrophizing; and the use of pain and opioid education to reduce the risk for prolonged opioid use for postsurgical pain.

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain - United States, 2022

This guideline provides recommendations for clinicians providing pain care, including those prescribing opioids, for outpatients aged ≥18 years. It updates the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain - United States, 2016 (MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65[No. RR-1]:1-49) and includes recommendations for managing acute (duration of <1 month), subacute (duration of 1-3 months), and chronic (duration of >3 months) pain. The recommendations do not apply to pain related to sickle cell disease or cancer or to patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care. The guideline addresses the following four areas: 1) determining whether or not to initiate opioids for pain, 2) selecting opioids and determining opioid dosages, 3) deciding duration of initial opioid prescription and conducting follow-up, and 4) assessing risk and addressing potential harms of opioid use. CDC developed the guideline using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Recommendations are based on systematic reviews of the scientific evidence and reflect considerations of benefits and harms, patient and clinician values and preferences, and resource allocation. CDC obtained input from the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (a federally chartered advisory committee), the public, and peer reviewers. CDC recommends that persons with pain receive appropriate pain treatment, with careful consideration of the benefits and risks of all treatment options in the context of the patient's circumstances. Recommendations should not be applied as inflexible standards of care across patient populations. This clinical practice guideline is intended to improve communication between clinicians and patients about the benefits and risks of pain treatments, including opioid therapy; improve the effectiveness and safety of pain treatment; mitigate pain; improve function and quality of life for patients with pain; and reduce risks associated with opioid pain therapy, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.

Evidenced-Based Opioid Prescribing Recommendations Following Hand and Upper-Extremity Surgery

The United States’ opioid epidemic has taken an immense toll over the past 2 decades when assessed by morbidities, mortalities, and economic costs. Prescription opioids are a substantial contribution to this public health emergency, and it is critical for health care providers to practice good analgesic stewardship. Interventions have effectively curtailed opioid overuse, including prescription drug monitoring programs, educational initiatives, and multimodal analgesia strategies. Surgeons, particularly hand surgeons or those who perform musculoskeletal procedures, have been implicated as high-volume opioid prescribers. Guidelines for appropriate opioid dosing and analgesic management strategies after common hand and upper-extremity surgeries are sparse and offer an area for meaningful improvement. We sought to generate comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for postoperative analgesia regimens for common hand and upper-extremity procedures.

Influence of perioperative opioid-related patient education: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of perioperative protocolized opioid-specific patient education on opioid consumption for individuals undergoing surgical procedures.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared protocolized perioperative opioid-specific patient education to the usual care for adult individuals undergoing surgical interventions. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes while the risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 15 RCTs that enrolled 2546 participants were deemed eligible. Protocolized opioid-specific patient education showed a significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain score compared to usual care (SMD= -0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.28 to -0.03 and SMD= -0.17, 95% CI: -0.28 to -0.06, respectively). No significant difference was found between the protocolized opioid-specific patient education and the usual care in terms of the number of refill requests (RR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.50-1.34), patients with opioid leftovers (RR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.78-1.08), and patients taking opioids after hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that protocolized opioid-specific patient education significantly reduces postoperative opioid consumption and pain score but has no influence on the number of opioid refill requests, opioid leftovers, and opioid use after hospital discharge.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare professionals may offer opioid-related educational sessions for the surgical patients during the perioperative period through a video-based material that emphasizes the role of alternative analgesics to opioids, patients' expectations about the post-operative pain, and the potential side effects of opioid consumptions.

Implementation of a standardized multimodal pain regimen significantly reduces postoperative inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Routine opioid use in surgical patients has received attention given the opioid epidemic and a renewed focus on the dangers and drawbacks of opioids in the postoperative setting. Little is known about opioid use in bariatric surgery, especially in the inpatient setting. We hypothesize that a standardized opioid-sparing protocol reduces postoperative inpatient opioid use in bariatric surgery patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of bariatric surgery patients at a single institution. From March to September 2019, a standardized intraoperative and postoperative opioid-sparing protocol was designed and implemented along with an educational program for patients regarding safe pain management. Inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing surgery in the preintervention phase between April and March 2019 was compared to patients from a postintervention phase of October 2019 to December 2020. Opioid utilization was measured in morphine milliequivalents (MME).

RESULTS

A total of 359 patients were included; 192 preintervention and 167 postintervention. Patients were similar demographically. For all patients, mean age was 44.1 years, mean BMI 49.2 kg/m2, and 80% were female. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 48%, laparoscopic gastric bypass in 34%, robotic sleeve gastrectomy in 17%, and robotic gastric bypass in 1%. In the postintervention phase inpatient opioid utilization was significantly lower [median 134.8 [79.0-240.8] MME preintervention vs. 61.5 [35.5-150.0] MME postintervention (p < 0.001)]. MME prescribed at discharge decreased from a median of 300 MME preintervention to 75 MME postintervention (p < 0.001). In the postintervention phase, 16% of patients did not receive an opioid prescription at discharge compared to 0% preintervention (p < 0.001). When examining by procedure, statistically significant reductions in opioid utilization were seen for each operation.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a standardized intraoperative and postoperative multimodal pain regimen and educational program significantly reduces inpatient opioid utilization in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Practical Application of the 2020 Distal Radius Fracture AAOS/ASSH Clinical Practice Guideline: A Clinical Case

The Clinical Practice Guideline Management of Distal Radius Fractures released by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is a summary of the available evidence designed to guide surgeons and other qualified physicians in the management of distal radius fractures. According to this guideline, age of 65 is used as a proxy for functional activity and can serve as a threshold under which patients are likely to benefit from surgical fixation and over which patients are less likely to benefit from surgical fixation when compared with nonsurgical treatment. Supervised therapy and arthroscopic assistance should be used sparingly and on a case-by-case basis. Routine radiographs should also be used on a case-by-case basis. As strong evidence suggests no difference observed in clinical or radiographic outcomes by fixation technique used after 3 months, fixation technique should be driven by fracture pattern. These guidelines serve to guide physicians in the care of patients with distal radius fractures.

Comprehensive Analysis of Opioid Use After Common Elective Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgeries

BACKGROUND

Prescription opioid abuse remains an ongoing public health crisis, especially in orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of the present study is to analyze opioid-prescribing patterns and investigate risk factors for prolonged opioid use after common outpatient orthopaedic surgical procedures.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, a review of 1,384 patients undergoing common elective outpatient orthopaedic procedures from January 2018 to June 2019 was conducted. Data on controlled substance prescriptions were obtained from the prescription drug monitoring program website. Statistical analysis was done to identify predictors for a second opioid prescription and prolonged opioid use (>6 months).

RESULTS

Over 10% (150/1,384) of patients were still using opioids beyond 6 months. Of the opioid exposed patients, 60.4% (174/288) filled at least 1 additional opioid prescription postoperatively, and 29.2% (84/288) filled prescriptions beyond 6 months, compared with 26.4% (289/1,096) and 6.0% (66/1,096) of opioid-naive patients, respectively. Following multivariate analysis, significant predictors for filling a second opioid prescription included preoperative opioid use, current smoker status, benzodiazepine use, psychiatric disorder, and advanced age.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed risk factors for prolonged opioid use after orthopaedic surgery. Surgeons should be mindful of these risk factors and counsel patients regarding postoperative pain management.

Predicting persistent opioid use after surgery using electronic health record and patient-reported data

BACKGROUND

More than 100 million surgeries take place annually in the United States, and more than 90% of surgical patients receive an opioid prescription. A sizable minority of these patients will go on to use opioids long-term, contributing to the national opioid epidemic.

METHODS

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a model to predict persistent opioid use after surgery. Participants included surgical patients (≥18 years old) enrolled in a cohort study at an academic medical center between 2015 and 2018. Persistent opioid use was defined as filling opioid prescriptions in postdischarge days 4 to 90 and 91 to 180. Predictors included electronic health record data, state prescription drug monitoring data, and patient-reported measures. Three models were developed: a full, a restricted, and a minimal model using a derivation and validation cohort.

RESULTS

Of 24,040 patients, 4,879 (20%) experienced persistent opioid use. In the validation cohort, the full, restricted, and minimal model had C-statistics of 0.87 (95% CI 0.86-0.88), 0.86 (0.85-0.88), and 0.85 (0.84-0.87), respectively. All models performed better among patients with preoperative opioid use compared to opioid-naive patients (P < .001). The models slightly overpredicted risk in the validation cohort. The net benefit of using the restricted model to refer patients for preoperative counseling was 0.072 to 0.092, which is superior to evaluating no patients (net benefit of 0) or all patients (net benefit of -0.22 to -0.63).

CONCLUSION

This study developed and validated a prediction model for persistent opioid use using accessible data resources. The models achieved strong performance, outperforming prior published models.

Effectiveness of Perioperative Opioid Educational Initiatives: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Opioids are the most commonly prescribed analgesics in the United States. Current guidelines have proposed education initiatives to reduce the risk of chronic opioid consumption, yet there is lack of efficacy data on such interventions. Our study evaluates the impact of perioperative opioid education on postoperative opioid consumption patterns including opioid cessation, number of pills consumed, and opioid prescription refills.

METHODS

The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of perioperative educational interventions (using either paper- or video-based instruments regarding pain management and drug-induced side effects) on postoperative opioid patterns compared to standard preoperative care among patients undergoing elective surgery. Our end points were opioid consumption (number of pills used), appropriate disposal of unused opioids, opioid cessation (defined as no use of opioids), and opioid refills within 15 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

RESULTS

In total, 11 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, totaling 1604 patients (804 received opioid education, while 800 received standard care). Six trials followed patients for 15 days after surgery, and 5 trials followed patients up to 3 months. After 15 days, the opioid education group consumed a lower number of opioid pills than those in the control group (weighted mean difference [WMD], -3.39 pills; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.40 to -0.37; P =.03; I2 = 69%) with no significant difference in overall opioid cessation (odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.04-1.56; P = .14; I2 = 83%). Likewise, perioperative opioid education did not have significant effects on opioid cessation at 6 weeks (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.45-1.05; P = .10; I2 = 0%) and 3 months (OR, 0.59; 95% CI,0.17-2.01; P = .10; I2 = 0%) after surgery, neither reduced the need for opioid refills at 15 days (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.28-1.15; P = .12; I2 = 20%) and 6 weeks (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.59-1.98; P = .80; I2 = 37%). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of appropriate disposal of unused opioids between both groups (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 0.66-6.00; P = .22; I2 = 71%). Subgroup analysis by type of educational intervention showed a statistical reduction of opioid consumption at 15 days when implementing multimedia/audiovisual strategies (4 trials: WMD, -4.05 pills; 95% CI, -6.59 to -1.50; P = .002; I2 = 45%), but there was no apparent decrease when using only paper-based strategies (2 trials: WMD, -2.31 pills; 95% CI, -12.21 to 7.59; P = .65; I2 = 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative educational interventions reduced the number of opioid pills consumed at 15 days but did not demonstrate a significant effect on opioid cessation or opioid refills at 15 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Further randomized trials should focus on evidence-based educational interventions with strict homogeneity of material to draw a more definitive recommendation.