Rate and predictors of postoperative opioid use and high opioid exposure after surgery in New Zealand: a retrospective study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlthough excessive opioid use is a significant global health issue, there is a lack of literature on the prescribing patterns for postoperative opioid use and exposure after discharge among surgical patients. This study aimed to examine the rate and predictors of opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure after hospital discharge from surgery in New Zealand (NZ) between January 2007 to December 2019.MethodsThis is a retrospective population‐based cohort study inclusive of all ages and surgical specialties. Data were obtained from the NZ Ministry of Health's national health databases.Results1 781 059 patients were included in the study and 20.9% (n = 371 882) of surgical patients received opioids within 7 days after hospital discharge. From those who were dispensed with opioids after hospital discharge, 36.6% (n = 134 646) had high opioid exposure. Orthopaedic surgery (AOR 6.97; 95% CI 6.82–7.13) and history of opioid use (AOR 3.18; 95% CI 2.86–3.53) increased the odds of postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure respectively. Severe multi‐morbidity burden (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.73–0.78) and alcohol misuse (AOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.93) lowered the odds of postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure respectively.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a concerning rate of high opioid exposure among surgical patients after discharge. The predictors for postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure identified in our study provide insight into opioid prescribing patterns in NZ and inform future postoperative pain management.