Describing the decision process of post-operative opioid and pain prescribing patterns in orthopedic and general surgeons.

Objective: To describe the post-operative opioid prescribing behaviors of orthopedic and general surgeons through the use of the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM), and subsequently the steps and logic used by providers in determining post-operative pain prescriptions.

Design: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, cohort study utilizing qualitative methods consisting of semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to categorize and identify themes to describe prescriber behavior.

Setting: All participants were from a regional health system in central Appalachia.

Patients And Participants: Mixed population of orthopedic and general surgeons who completed residency training and performed nontraumatic procedures.

Main Outcome Measure: Categorization and identification of themes within the constructs of the IBM that described surgeon opioid prescribing.

Results: Fifteen surgeons participated in this study. Themes were identified within the context of the IBM. Attitudes by surgeons consisted of blame toward the government, a lack of personal screening of patients, and a theme of the abusing population of patients only being a small group. Norms were identified that included prescribing based on a standard prescribing set, realization of patient fear, and the idea of past mentality. Surgeons believed in their ability to prescribe responsibly and conservatively.

Conclusions: The prescribing patterns of surgeons and their keenness to assess patients for opioid abuse vary. Most surgeons did not actively participate in screening activities but rely on ancillary staff. Surgeons utilize federal and state laws to back prescribing patterns and thwart patient attempts for additional medications. Prescribers maintain a sense of self-confidence with their own knowledge and ability to taper and keep patients from becoming reliant on opioid prescribing.