Patient Education Materials Study Shows Gap in Recommended Reading Levels

A recent study looked at the content and quality of online patient education material related to postoperative opioid use in pain management. Read the results in the summary.

Researchers designed and conducted a study to compare the readability of widely available online Patient education materials (PEMs)  related to postoperative opioid management. Previous studies have shown that patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at, or below a sixth grade reading level to maximize patient/caregiver reading comprehension as well as compliance with instructions relative to pharmacological interventions. 

After analyzing the data, the researchers conducting the study found that:

  • Available online PEMs related to opioid management are written at an average reading level closer to 8th grade instead of 6th grade 
  • Less than half of these materials contained discussion of opioid tapering or cessation

Access the full study: Quality of Patient Education Materials on Safe Opioid Management in the Acute Perioperative Period: What Do Patients Find Online?

Cryotherapy Study Shows Pain Management Gains with Compression

A study originally published in The Journal of Knee Surgery looks at the efficacy of cryotherapy combined with compression in ACL repair cases, versus standard cryotherapy alone. Read the summary.

Changing Patient Behavior in Disposal of Excess Opioids

A surgical center partnered with a nonprofit agency to study the behavior of patients in disposing of excess opioids prescribed to them following outpatient surgery. Read the summary.

Are Opioids Always Necessary? This Post-op Protocol Study Says Maybe Not.

A recent study (2021) assessed the efficacy of nonopioid pain protocols versus opioid control in mitigating postoperative pain following knee surgery. Read the surprising results in the summary.

Opioid Education’s Impact 2 Years Post Op

Rothman Institute studied the impact of preoperative opioid use education on opioid consumption at a 2 year follow up interval with surgery patients. The study received a 2018 Neer Award.…

Study Finds Optional Opioid Refills Leads to Safer Communities

A recent study examined the impact of prescription instructions on the consumption of opioids by patients following knee surgery. Read the results in the summary.

Meta-analysis Shows Post-op Opioid Consumption Reduction Possible With Right Pain Control Approach

A comprehensive review of multiple studies evaluated the effects of post-op nonopioid adjunct analgesia on postoperative opioid consumption and pain control in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.​​ Read the summary.

Opioid Education Study Proves Knowledge is Power

Researchers assessed the relationship between preoperative opioid use education and consumption by surgical patients. Their findings were published in JAMA. Read the summary.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Please send us a note at hello@graymontx.com for more information or fill out 'Contact Us' form.