Recruiting hand therapists improves disposal of unused opioid medication

The incidence of opioid-related deaths in the United States continues to rise, along with opioid-related criminal activity, addiction, and imprisonment.1,2 The opioid crisis has unfortunately been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.3 It is well-established that opioids are important in managing post-operative pain,4 yet opioid dependence due to prescription drug use has become widespread. Recent literature describes surgery as the gatekeeper to our nation's “painkiller epidemic.”5-8 Furthermore, prolonged opioid use following hand surgery is significantly higher compared to abdominal, thoracic, and knee and hip surgery.

Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - July 28, 2022 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Macyn M. Stonner, Rachel Skladman, Carrie L. Roth Bettlach, Carie Kennedy, Susan E. Mackinnon Source Type: research