The effect of written guidelines and pharmacist-conducted education on the prescribing of postoperative narcotics was studied. The postoperative narcotic regimens prescribed on a general surgery ward and patients' assessment of pain control were recorded during three eight-week study phases. After the first (baseline) phase, written guidelines for the use of postoperative narcotics were mailed to all physicians. Four weeks after the baseline phase ended, data were collected again for eight weeks. A pharmacist then began reinforcing the guidelines by presenting inservice educational sessions and participating in ward rounds. The pharmacist did not attempt to change narcotic regimens for individual patients. Four weeks after the pharmacist's efforts began, the final eight-week data-collection period commenced. In general, the appropriateness of narcotic orders increased as the educational efforts intensified. There was no difference in narcotic expenses or pain control among the study phases. The appropriateness of postoperative analgesic regimens increased as education efforts became more intense, but the efforts had no effect on drug expenses or pain control.

 

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