ACS announces education program on opioid use in surgical patients

Editor's Note

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) on October 31 announced a new initiative to improve the knowledge and management of pain in surgical patients, with a focus on opioid risks and non-opioid alternatives.

The initiative, titled, “Opioids and Surgery: Use, Abuse, and Alternatives,” will encompass the following:

• evidence-based education for patients that will support informed choice and meet guidelines for health literacy, informed consent, and patient safety
• a comprehensive library for surgeons and surgical practitioners of resources specific to opioids and the surgical patient, including managing pain expectations, non-opioid options, and screening programs
• team training focused on pain management, discharge, and transition management.

The long-term goal of the initiative is to develop a national standard for best interventions for pain control in surgical patients.

Pacira grant will allow for the development and distribution of resources to educate patients and surgeons on opioid use in surgical care NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHICAGO (October 31, 2016): The American College of Surgeons (ACS) today announced a new multifaceted initiative to improve the knowledge and management of pain in surgical patients with a focus on opioid risk and non-opioid alternatives.