Reducing opioid use after surgery
The Role of the Clinical Pharmacist in Reducing Opioid Dependence at the Interface Between Hospital and Primary Care
NA · University of Kent · NCT06396663
This study is testing whether having clinical pharmacists help patients manage pain after surgery can reduce the use of opioids and prevent long-term dependence on them.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kent (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Faversham, Kent) |
| Trial ID | NCT06396663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines opioid prescribing trends and long-term use following surgery in East Kent, UK. It aims to assess the feasibility of clinical pharmacists supporting patients in managing post-surgical pain while preventing long-term opioid dependence. The study will analyze historical patient records and conduct safety reviews for patients discharged with opioids. The goal is to evaluate both the clinical and economic impact of opioid de-escalation strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone surgery and were discharged with opioid medication for acute non-malignant post-surgical pain.
Not a fit: Patients who have a history of opioid use for more than 90 days prior to surgery or those using opioids for malignant pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help reduce the risk of long-term opioid dependence in post-surgical patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in opioid de-escalation strategies, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years old or above. * Undergone surgery and discharged with opioid medication\* less than 120mg MME/day from a participating hospital and taking it for the treatment of acute non-malignant post-surgical pain. * Investigators have used the British National Formulary (BNF) definition of opioids and will recruit participants who have been prescribed one or more of the following drugs: Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Buprenorphine transdermal patches, Fentanyl transdermal patches, Morphine, Oxycodone, Tramadol, Diamorphine, Dipipanone, Tapentadol, Pentazocine. Exclusion Criteria: * Aged under 18 years of age. * Unable to provide written informed consent. * More than 90 days opioid use pre-surgery. * On \> 120 mg MME/day. * Additional surgical procedures planned during the 3-month intervention. * A history of methadone treatment. * Regularly inject opioids. * Using opioids for malignant pain. * Undergone a caesarean section. * Is pregnant\*. * Classified as vulnerable (e.g., severe dementia, severe co-existing or terminal medical condition). * Risk of miscarriage or stillbirth from opioid withdrawal
Where this trial is running
Faversham, Kent
- Newton Place Surgery — Faversham, Kent, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr Emma Veale — University of Kent
- Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
- Email: descalestudy@kent.ac.uk
- Phone: +441227764000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Opioid Dependence, Prescribing, Surgery, Pain, De-escalation