DE-eSCALation of Opioids Post-surgical dischargE

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF KENT · Apr 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The DE-eSCALation of Opioids Post-surgical dischargE study, also known as the Descale Study, is looking into how opioids (strong pain medications) are prescribed to patients after surgery and how this might lead to long-term use. The study focuses on patients in East Kent, United Kingdom, who were discharged from the hospital with opioid prescriptions for managing pain after their surgery. Researchers will review past records to understand what kinds of pain medications were given, how often they were refilled, and how patients used healthcare services afterward.

Additionally, the study aims to see if clinical pharmacists can help patients manage their pain better after surgery, which might reduce the risk of long-term opioid use. Eligible participants must be at least 18 years old, have recently had surgery, and were prescribed a specific amount of opioids for pain management. Those involved will receive support from pharmacists and may share their experiences through interviews. This study is important as it could help improve pain management strategies and reduce the risks associated with long-term opioid use in patients recovering from surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18 years old or above.
• • Undergone surgery and discharged with opioid medication\* less than 120mg MME/day from a participating hospital and taking it for the treatment of acute non-malignant post-surgical pain.
• • Investigators have used the British National Formulary (BNF) definition of opioids and will recruit participants who have been prescribed one or more of the following drugs: Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Buprenorphine transdermal patches, Fentanyl transdermal patches, Morphine, Oxycodone, Tramadol, Diamorphine, Dipipanone, Tapentadol, Pentazocine.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aged under 18 years of age.
• • Unable to provide written informed consent.
• • More than 90 days opioid use pre-surgery.
• • On \> 120 mg MME/day.
• • Additional surgical procedures planned during the 3-month intervention.
• • A history of methadone treatment.
• • Regularly inject opioids.
• • Using opioids for malignant pain.
• • Undergone a caesarean section.
• • Is pregnant\*.
• • Classified as vulnerable (e.g., severe dementia, severe co-existing or terminal medical condition).
• • Risk of miscarriage or stillbirth from opioid withdrawal