Olympia (Wash.) Orthopaedic Associates launched new opioid protocol to educate residents and limit the number of prescriptions written, according to Gray's Harbor Talk.
Here are the three steps:
1. The Bree Collaborative — This was established in 2011 by the Washington State Legislature. A pain management standard was created for various procedures performed at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, including hip replacements.
2. Alternatives to opioids for pain management — Surgeons at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are looking at other ways to manage patients' pain, including non-narcotic therapies. Physicians utilize acupuncture and massage therapy.
3. Proper disposal of narcotics — Olympia Orthopaedic Associates is educating staff and patients on the correct way to dispose unused opioids, such as delivering them to police stations and local pharmacies.