A study by clinicians at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh found a 280% increase in patients prescribed strong opioids after knee replacement surgery. The study, published in the Irish Medical Journal, highlighted the need for better education on opioid use among doctors and patients. The researchers suggested that inadequate preoperative counselling, patient expectations, and concerns about pain control could be contributing factors to the increase in prescriptions. They recommended further education for interns on opioid prescriptions and providing patients with information on safe disposal of unused opioids. The study emphasized the importance of being cautious in prescribing opioids to optimize patient outcomes.
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Sharp increase in opioid prescriptions after knee replacement surgery
