Reduction in Postoperative Narcotic Prescribing Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Studies and clinical inquiries have shown that opioids are being overprescribed for general surgery postoperative pain. Patients are reportedly using less than half the number of pills provided, leaving excess available for misuse or misdirection, potentially contributing to the opioid crisis. Acute pain management prescribing continues to be autonomous and inconsistent as education, clinical practice guidelines, policy and processes are lacking in many institutions. This quality improvement initiative highlights nursing' s contribution to healthcare improvement by ensuring that the direct, patient-centered care provided is evidence-based, safe, and effective. The purpose of this study is to reduce postoperative opioid overprescribing following uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) by determining the number of Percocet needed to satisfy 80% of the postoperative pain management needs for this clinical setting patient population and developing a prescribing practice guideline accordingly.