Enhanced Recovery Pathways Slash Opioid Prescriptions in Iowa Hospitals
The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Foundation for Opioid Research and Educationrecent study conducted across nine Iowa hospitals has shown promising results in reducing postoperative opioid prescriptions by implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. The study, led by researchers from the Rothman Opioid Foundation, Goldfinch Health, and Drexel University College of Medicine, examined the impact of ERAS protocols on opioid prescribing to patients undergoing arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) and arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint issues). Arthroplasty involves replacing damaged joints with prosthetic implants to relieve pain and restore function, whereas arthroscopy utilizes a small camera to examine and repair joint damage through small incisions.