I am a
Home I AM A Search Login

Papers of the Week


Papers: 12 Mar 2022 - 18 Mar 2022


Human Studies


2022 Mar 15


Pain Manag

Obstetricians’ prescribing practices for pain management after delivery.

Authors

Mackeen DA, Vigh RS, Davis L B, Satti M, Cumbo N, Pauley AM, Leonard KS, Stephens M, Corr TE, Roeser RW, Deimling T, Legro RS, Pauli JM, Downs D S
Pain Manag. 2022 Mar 15.
PMID: 35289656.

Abstract

To examine postpartum opioid prescribing practices. Obstetricians were interviewed about opioids: choice of opioid, clinical factors considered when prescribing, thoughts/beliefs about prescribing, and typical counseling provided. Inductive thematic analyses were used to identify themes. A total of 38 interviews were analyzed. Several key points emerged. The choice of opioid, dosing and number of pills prescribed varied widely. The mode of delivery is the primary consideration for prescribing opioids. All providers would prescribe opioids to breastfeeding women. Some providers offered counseling on nonopioid treatment of pain. At two large tertiary centers in Pennsylvania, the 38 physicians interviewed wrote 38 unique opioid prescriptions. Patient counseling addressed short-term pain management, but not the chronic overuse of opioids.