Dr. Viscusi The average patient
isn't fully aware of the available
options. It's unusual for a patient
to request a regional block, a
catheter and home infusion deliv-
ery system or the newest drug. If
anything, patients and providers
are still opioid-oriented, without
being aware of the ultimate risk
to the individual and society.
While we're making great strides
at reducing the amount of opi-
oids used, many patients still
expect to receive them. When
you tell them they're not going to
get their big bottle of oxycodone,
they're hesitant and unwilling to
accept that non-opioid alternatives may work just as well.
Dr. Wagner There are alternatives, but in the orthopedic setting, opioids
are still a mainstay. We do a lot of regional anesthesia here, but that's
not a complete substitute for opioids. Regional blocks get patients
through a period of time when the pain is most severe, but most end
up taking some narcotics.
Dr. Viscusi The threshold surgeons use to prescribe opioids is usually
pretty low. Much of what they do is based on patient satisfaction, and
if patients expect opioids, that's the easiest path to take.
Dr. Stamatos. Individuals on chronic pain medications are some of the
most difficult to manage. Being proactive with these patients is impor-
4 5
February 2015 | O U T PAT I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
z DIGGING DEEP Knee procedures are notorious
for leaving patients in significant post-op pain.
Pamela
bevelhymer,
rN,
bSN
