Goldfinch Health’s Billion Pill Pledge Program Highlighted by Orthopedics Journal
Recent research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) demonstrates that Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways can dramatically reduce postoperative opioid prescriptions for orthopedic patients.
The Results
The study analyzed data from 100 patients (67 arthroplasty and 33 arthroscopy) treated by 11 orthopedic surgeons across 9 Iowa hospitals as part of the Billion Pill Pledge program, powered by Goldfinch Health.
Researchers found that Enhanced Recovery pathways—which feature multimodal pain management strategies to improve patient outcomes and limit opioid exposure—reduced postoperative opioid prescriptions from an average of 389 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) to just 194 MMEs—a 50% reduction.
The ERAS pathways implemented in this study included comprehensive preoperative education as well as pre- and post-surgery multimodal pain control. Importantly, the protocols didn’t compromise patient care. Prescription opioid refill rates were low across the board (7.5% for arthroplasty and 6.1% for arthroscopy patients), indicating that pain management was effective with far fewer opioids.
Why This Matters
The Opioid Crisis continues to devastate communities across America. With surgery serving as a gateway to opioid exposure for patients, families, and communities, these findings demonstrate a practical approach to reducing unnecessary opioid exposure while maintaining effective pain management.
The Path Forward
This research suggests the Billion Pill Pledge program works as an evidence-based prevention initiative combatting America’s Opioid Crisis. Enhanced Recovery protocols reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing in orthopedic procedures. This substantial reduction in prescribed opioids not only decreases the risk of dependence for individual patients but also reduces the potential for leftover medication to be diverted into communities.
State and community leaders charged with deploying opioid litigation settlement funds to abate opioid impacts in their communities should take note.
Critical investments are needed far upstream of opioid abuse and overdose. Evidence-based prevention initiatives, such as those detailed in this peer-reviewed article, will be necessary to ensure much-needed efforts in treatment and recovery have a maximum impact.
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