The Impact of Patient Characteristics and Postoperative Opioid Exposure on Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use: An Integrative Review

Studies are needed to determine the predicting characteristics of prolonged postoperative opioid use, the type of surgeries that place patients at most risk, and the effect postoperative exposure to opioids has on prolonged use. This information can be used to develop and implement protocols to prevent misuse among high-risk patients.