Pain is a common and frequent symptom among patients in the hospital. In a study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, we learn that because management of pain is a quality indicator for hospitals, hospitalists are often conflicted about opioid prescribing during hospital stays and discharges. By means of in-depth interviews with hospitalists, researchers sought to analyze and identify perspectives towards opioid prescribing. Many perceived limited success in managing acute pain and recount negative sentinel events that have altered their prescribing practices in the hospital. Researchers surmised a great need for improved tactics in providing appropriate pain relief for hospitalized patients while prescribing opioids safely and optimally.
Link to Journal of Hospital Medicine abstract (3/2016)
