Pain management via opioids in postoperative patients, where non-opioid interventions fall short of the quality standard of care mark
Proper pain management is critical for the successful recovery of postoperative patients. Although non-opioid interventions are the preferred approach to pain relief, they may not always be sufficient or recommended. In such cases, opioid-based interventions may be necessary to alleviate pain and promote patient comfort. Evidence-based guidelines are not present for opioid use in the youth. However, youth can be engaged by the use of opioid stewardship effect to minimize risk (Kelley-Quon et al., 2021). However, the use of opioids carries inherent risks, such as addiction to overdose. Hence, it’s essential to establish a policy that balances the need for pain relief with the risks associated with opioid use. Roy’s Adaptation Model can assess and promote the adjustment of opioid-based interventions in patients who have undergone surgery. This model can aid in managing opioid-based treatments by systematically evaluating the patient’s response to treatment and identifying factors that may impact their adaptation to the intervention.
Capstone Class 4580 MODULE 2 Pain Management Via Opioids In Postoperative Patients
Current Policy
One example of a current policy related to opioid use for pain management is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, which was updated in 2021. This guideline provides recommendations for healthcare providers on prescribing opioids for enduring pain, including using non-opioid interventions as the first-line treatment and needing individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and risk factors. It also emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring and re-evaluating treatment plans to ensure they align with the patient’s goals and overall health status (Goldstick et al., 2021). It is crucial for healthcare providers to consider the potential risks associated with opioid-based interventions, such as the development of opioid dependence, overdose, and addiction. Non-opioid interventions, including physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acupuncture, may help alleviate pain and promote patient recovery. By utilizing a comprehensive pain management approach that includes both non-opioid and opioid-based interventions when appropriate, healthcare providers can help reduce the risks associated with opioid use while also providing adequate pain relief to their patients.
Standards of Care/ Best Practices
Best practices and standards of care related to opioid intervention for pain management in postoperative patients include using multimodal analgesia, adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines, patient education and involvement, and regular monitoring and reassessment. Multimodal analgesia involves using non-opioid interventions alongside opioids to reduce the reliance on opioids and minimize the risks and perils associated with their use. Adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, provides recommendations for the safe and appropriate use of opioids, including starting with the lowermost effective dose, duration and regular monitoring for adverse effects. Patient education and involvement are also essential best practices for safe and effective pain management. Patients should be informed about the benefits and risks of using opioid and provided with education on non-opioid interventions and the safe use and disposal of opioids. Involving patients in pain management can lead to better outcomes and reduced opioid use. Finally, regular monitoring and reassessment of pain management interventions should be conducted to guarantee optimal pain relief while reducing the risks associated with opioid use. By following these best practices and standards of care, healthcare providers can provide safe and effective pain management in postoperative patients while minimizing the risks associated with opioid use.
Capstone Class 4580 MODULE 2 Pain Management Via Opioids In Postoperative Patients
Evidence-Based Practice
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, non-opioid interventions such as regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia should be considered as the initial approach for postoperative pain management, but opioids may be required as an adjunct therapy when non-opioid interventions are insufficient to control pain (Cheung et al., 2022). The prescription and monitoring of opioids must follow institutional policy, which includes regular assessments of pain levels, adverse effects, and signs of addiction or dependence. Roy’s Adaptation Model can aid in adapting policies and identifying realistic pain management goals while educating patients on the potential benefits, risks and dangers of using opioid.
Theoretical Framework
Roy’s Adaptation Model is a nursing theory that posits that individuals possess innate coping mechanisms to adapt to environmental changes and maintain balance or homeostasis (Marudhar, n.d.). When individuals experience pain, they activate their coping mechanisms to manage the pain and maintain their balance. The decision to use opioids for pain management in postoperative patients is complex, requiring consideration of the benefits, risks and perils of opioid use. Roy’s Adaptation Model provides a framework for assessing the individual’s coping mechanisms and setting realistic goals for pain management while educating them on the risks and benefits of opioid use. Healthcare providers can use this model to provide safe and effective pain management interventions that promote the individual’s overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pain management in postoperative patients requires a multifaceted approach that utilizes a combination of non-opioid interventions and, when necessary, opioids. Best practices and standards of care include using multimodal analgesia, adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines, patient education and involvement, and regular monitoring and reassessment. By following these practices and guidelines, healthcare providers can provide safe and effective pain relief while minimizing the risks associated with opioid use. Ultimately, pain management aims to improve patient outcomes and ensure a comfortable recovery while reducing the potential for opioid-related complications.
Capstone Class 4580 MODULE 2 Pain Management Via Opioids In Postoperative Patients
References
Cheung, C. K., Adeola, J. O., Beutler, S. S., & Urman, R. D. (2022). Postoperative pain management in enhanced recovery pathways. Journal of Pain Research, 15, 123–135.
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S231774
Goldstick, J. E., Guy, G. P., Losby, J. L., Baldwin, G., Myers, M., & Bohnert, A. S. B. (2021). Changes in initial opioid prescribing practices after the 2016 release of the CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. JAMA Network Open, 4(7), e2116860.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.16860
Kelley-Quon, L. I., Kirkpatrick, M. G., Ricca, R. L., Baird, R., Harbaugh, C. M., Brady, A., Garrett, P., Wills, H., Argo, J., Diefenbach, K. A., Henry, M. C. W., Sola, J. E., Mahdi, E. M., Goldin, A. B., St Peter, S. D., Downard, C. D., Azarow, K. S., Shields, T., & Kim, E. (2021). Guidelines for opioid prescribing in children and adolescents after surgery: An expert panel opinion. JAMA Surgery, 156(1), 76–90.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2020.5045
Marudhar, M. (n.d.). ROY’S ADAPTATION MODEL OF NURSING. In IJSDR1901049 International Journal of Scientific Development and Research.
