The University of Michigan secures a major federal grant to explore post-surgery pain relief methods for opioid-dependent patients, aiming to reduce complications.
Michigan Researchers Lead Groundbreaking Opioid Pain Study
Leading the project is Mark Bicket, associate professor of anesthesiology, who emphasized the importance of directly engaging with those affected by opioid use disorder. "We must listen to individuals with opioid use disorder directly to understand how to best approach solutions and strategies for their care," Bicket stated. The study aims to develop better post-surgery guidelines that consider both pain management and the need to prevent opioid misuse.
The National Crisis: Opioid Use Disorder and Surgery
With an estimated 2.5 million Americans grappling with opioid use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the study couldn’t be more timely. Those living with OUD face significant challenges managing acute pain, particularly during the vulnerable post-surgical period, when opioids are most commonly prescribed.
However, as Bicket notes, "There is little evidence to guide post-surgery pain management for individuals with opioid use disorder." This research intends to close that knowledge gap by analyzing patient data from hospitals across Michigan to craft targeted care guidelines.
New Guidelines Target Opioid-Related Harms
Key components of the study include gathering post-surgical pain data from patients undergoing common surgeries and documenting their opioid use. The ultimate goal is to adapt existing prescribing guidelines to reduce opioid-related harms while ensuring adequate pain relief for this high-risk population. The research will also assess care plans that integrate elements such as overdose prevention, peer recovery coaching, and pain management recommendations.
Jennifer Waljee, a co-investigator and associate professor at the U-M Medical School, stressed the broader implications of the study. "As clinicians, it is our responsibility to provide patients with the best care possible, so understanding the relationship between post-surgical opioid prescribing and those with opioid use disorder is critical."
Both Bicket and Waljee serve as executive directors at U-M's Opioid Research Institute, where they lead the Overdose Prevention Engagement Network, positioning them at the forefront of opioid-related research.
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I’ve had a few operations after which I was prescribed opinions, they work and helped my recovery. I had no desire to continue them since they made me dull and gave me constipation.
Chris Katherman
1h ago
if the docs cut em off...they will still find something somewhere that works...already now so-called " normal people" are out copping online and on the skreets...grannies gramps mothers priests 9-5ers and reactionary legislators foaming at the mouth to appease special interest groups and parents of OD victims will write harsher and harsher restrictive laws (that dont mean shit to addicts in withdrawal) and law enforcement will choke the courts with fresh new felons and it still wont stop the flow of narcotics into our country...we as a modern society need a new approach desperately as the War on Drugs has done nothing good..unless of course you are part of the DEA or other para-military agencies, border or otherwise. New weapons and vehicles..counter-surveillance tech fat salaries, going to "war" here on our own turf...perhaps against some friend or family member of yours
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