New recommendations from the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery give ENTs actionable steps to reduce the risk of opioid use disorder in patients.
The clinical practice guideline, published April 6 in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, features ENT-specific action statements for physicians to reduce the risk of opioid use disorder in patients.
Here are five key takeaways:
1. Physicians should advocate for nonopioid medication first after otolaryngologic surgery.
2. Physicians should identify risk factors for opioid use disorders if they anticipate using analgesia with opioids.
3. Physicians are encouraged to promote shared decision making with patients and explore all pain management options.
4. The guideline recommends advising patients about the length and severity of pain after surgery. Physicians should educate patients on stopping and disposing opioids once pain has resolved.
5. Physicians are encouraged to follow up with patients within a month of surgery to see if they stopped using opioids and were satisfied with the pain management plan.
Read the full guideline and action statements here.