Shared Decision-Making Tool for Opioid Prescribing After Ambulatory Hand Surgery in Veterans

Shared Decision-Making Tool for Opioid Prescribing After Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery in Veterans - A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine if an educational patient-centered presentation reduced the amount of opioid pills requested and utilized by patients compared to standard of care group.

• 1. Inclusion Criteria:
• a. 18-89 years of age
• b. Patient at the Orthopedic Department at the Veterans Health Administration
• c. Indicated for upper extremity surgeries: E.g., Carpal Tunnel Release, Trigger Finger Release, Cubital Tunnel Release, Ganglion Cyst Excision
• 2. Exclusion Criteria:
• a. History of opioid use disorder
• b. Had any recent surgery within four weeks of upper extremity procedure
• c. Taking opioids prior to surgery
• d. Returning to an institutionalized setting
• e. Pregnancy
• f. Unable to communicate in the English language
• g. Allergy to any medication recommended for post-operative analgesia