Variability in opioid prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs: A survey of providers caring for pediatric surgical patients

Background/Purpose Comprehensive opioid stewardship programs require collective stakeholder alignment and proficiency. We aimed to determine opioid-related prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs among providers who care for pediatric surgical patients. Methods A single-center, cross-sectional survey was conducted of attending physicians, residents, and advanced practice providers (APPs), who managed pediatric surgical patients. Results Of 110 providers surveyed, 75% completed the survey. Over half of respondents (n = 43, 52%) reported always/very often prescribing opioids at discharge, with residents reporting the highest rate (66%). Provider types had varying prescribing patterns, including what types of opioids and non-opioids they prescribed. There was a lack of formal training, particularly among residents, of which only 42% reported receiving formal opioid prescribing education. Finally, although only 28% of providers felt that the opioid epidemic affects children, 48% believed pediatric providers’ prescribing patterns contributed to the opioid epidemic as a whole, and 80% reported changing their prescribing practices in response. Conclusions Significant variability exists in opioid prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs among providers who care for pediatric surgical patients. Effective opioid stewardship requires comprehensive policies, pediatric specific guidelines, and education for all providers caring for children to align provider proficiency and optimize prescribing patterns.