A qualitative analysis on the implementation of a nudge intervention to reduce post-surgical opioid prescribing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reducing above-guideline opioid prescribing is one approach to reducing the availability of unused opioids. We describe contextual factors affecting the implementation and outcomes of a successful email 'nudge' aimed at reducing post-operative opioid prescribing, with the goal of informing future implementation and dissemination efforts.

Methods

Between October 2021-September 2022, we sent email nudges to general, orthopedic, and obstetrics/gynecology surgeons at 19 hospitals in a large integrated healthcare system in California whose patients had post-operative opioid prescriptions that exceeded guideline-recommended quantities. We then interviewed 36 surgeons between September 2022-January 2023 and coded and themed transcripts and implementation process document

SUBMITTER: Martinez MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11977946 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature