Variation in post-discharge opioid prescriptions among members of a surgical team

BACKGROUND: Surgeons play a pivotal role in the opioid epidemic but it is unknown how different members of a surgical team vary in the way they prescribe opioids after surgical episodes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all inpatient discharges for 5 common surgeries. Total number of tablets and total milligram equivalents (MME) prescribed were calculated and differences in prescription patterns were determined for attending surgeons, surgical residents and advanced practice providers. Using a generalized ordered logistic regression, we examined factors associated with ordering a higher number of tablets or MME. RESULTS: The median number of tablets (range) prescribed by rank were attending surgeon 30 (6–72), surgical resident 20 (6–189) and advanced care practitioner 40 (5–1000); p