Impact of opioid law on prescriptions and satisfaction of pediatric burn and orthopedic patients: An epidemiologic study.

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the reduction in prescribed opioid pain dosage units to pediatric patients experiencing acute pain and to assess patient satisfaction with pain control 90-day post discharge following the 2017 Ohio opioid prescribing cap law.MethodsThe retrospective chart review included 960 pediatric (age 0-18 years) burn injury and knee arthroscopy patients treated between August 1, 2015-August 31, 2019. Prospectively, legal guardians completed a survey for a convenience sample of 50 patients. Opioid medications (days and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs)/kg) prescribed at discharge before and after the Ohio law implementation were collected. Guardians reported experience and satisfaction with their child's opioid prescription at 90-days post discharge.ResultsFrom pre-law to post-law, there was a significant decrease (pConclusionsDischarge opioids prescribed for pediatric burn and knee arthroscopy procedures has decreased from 2015-2019. Caregivers varied greatly in their satisfaction with pain control and the amount of opioid prescribed.