Stopping opioid-related addiction, harm and accidents after surgery – international experts come together to publish guidance

13th Oct 2020

Opioids continue to be an important part of perioperative care, however it is important that they are used safely in order to minimise harms associated with persistent use after surgery. The paper provides consensus recommendations from an international multi professional group to promote opioid stewardship and safety.

International experts call for better stewardship to protect surgical patients from opioid-related harm. Monitoring for ventilatory insufficiency, limited discharge prescribing, patient education on safe use, storage and disposal of opioids. http://doi.org/10.1111/anae.15262