| Abstrakt: |
The opioid epidemic and its economic, social and healthcare consequences are well documented in the US and its' 2017 declaration as a public health crisis resulted in significant attention.[1],[2] The litigation associated, as well as its' content being a focus, albeit dramatized, of books and television programmes such as Dopesick and The Pharmacist, has ensured its mainstay in conversation.[3],[4] Despite no definitive evidence of a similar situation in Europe,[5],[6] many countries report an increase in surrogate markers for a potential problem, such as opioid-related deaths.[7] Anecdotally, more patients attending for surgery have at least some knowledge of what opioids are, compared to even 10 years ago. To improve patient awareness regarding opioids but also to encourage self-management, self-prevention and managing patient expectations. Educating patients regarding pain management and safe opioid use after surgery: a narrative review. [Extracted from the article] |
