Document Type
DNP Project
Publication Date
4-2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Faculty Advisor
Sharon Bradley, DNP, MSN, RN, CCM, CPHQ, NE-BC
Practice Mentor
Evan Sheha, MD
Abstract
Background
The opioid crisis highlights the urgent need for safer postoperative pain management. Many patients lack knowledge about proper opioid use, associated risks, and alternative options, increasing the risk of misuse. This pilot quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative patient education on opioid knowledge and use at a high-volume orthopedic practice in the Northeast.
Project Goals
The primary goals were to assess the feasibility of implementing a full-scale quality improvement initiative, reduce postoperative opioid use, and enhance patient understanding of opioid therapy, including safe use and alternative pain management strategies.
Methods
Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, five patients completed a preoperative survey assessing opioid knowledge and prior use. Participants received a pamphlet and video covering opioid safety, risks, non-opioid and non-pharmacologic options, and proper disposal. A follow-up postoperative survey evaluated changes in knowledge, opioid use, and satisfaction with pain control.
Results
Preoperative data revealed limited understanding of opioid safety. Postoperatively, 60% (n=3) reported learning new information and stated that the education provided influenced their use of prescribed opioids. Just two participants used opioids after surgery, and none completed their prescriptions. Additionally, 40% (n=2) reported using non-opioid alternatives, and no participants experienced uncontrolled postoperative pain.
Conclusion
This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of integrating opioid education into preoperative care. The intervention improved knowledge and reduced opioid reliance without compromising pain control, supporting the need for broader implementation in surgical settings.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Greene, N. (2025). Reducing the use of opioids in post-operative pain management: A pilot patient educational quality improvement project [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/dnp_projects/89
Comments
A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice, Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing.