OPEN’s Opioid Prescribing Recommendations are designed to help frame meaningful conversations between patients and providers, so every pain management plan is tailored to the individual. These recommendations are rooted in research, patient-reported outcomes, and expert consensus. They are intended for patients who haven’t used opioids before surgery. Explore OPEN’s evidence-based recommendations for safer prescribing after pediatric surgery below.
Pain Score was rated on a scale of 1 (no pain) to 5 (worst possible pain). Satisfaction with Pain Management was rated on a scale of 1 (not at all satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied).
When an opioid is needed after surgery, use the OPEN prescribing recommendations as the foundation for a shared decision-making conversation with the patient to determine the best prescription size.
It’s important to note that these are not rigid rules that must be adhered to, but rather recommendations. Starting form a standardized approach and then allowing for individualization helps promote both equity and patient-centeredness.