Self-Reported Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practices Following Commonly Performed Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Residents self-report prescribing significantly higher morphine milligram equivalents for postoperative analgesia following commonly performed hand and wrist surgical procedures than attending surgeons. Poor communication between residents and attending surgeons may contribute to this finding. Residents may benefit from education on opioid prescription, and training programs should encourage direct communication between trainees and attending surgeons.