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Recommended Citation
Green P, Zygula M, Smith B, Baskin R. Sustaining Best Practices to Decrease Opioid Use and Prevent Accidental Opioid Overdose. Evidence Based Practice poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Evidence Based Practice poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background and/or rationale
Postpartum patients are a vulnerable population affected by the opioid epidemic. In Illinois, substance use disorder is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with as many as 1 in 300 postpartum patients becoming addicted to opioids. Hospital care practices significantly impact patient pain management, knowledge, opioid availability, and emergency treatment for accidental overdoses.
Aim or purpose of the initiative
In alignment with the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Illinois Department of Human Services Drug Overdose Prevention Program, the perinatal care teams have implemented multiple evidence-based practices (EBP) to decrease the risk of opioid misuse, addiction and accidental overdose.
Implementation plan
In 2018, the Surgical Team Approach to Advance Recovery (STAAR) was implemented using the Iowa model. Implementing these practice changes, along with the EBP shared decision making (SDM), led to a reduction in the number of opioids administered to both inpatients and discharged patients. Opioid prescription data is monitored, and reeducation is provided for drifts in EBP. In August 2023, free Narcan was offered to postpartum patients who were discharged with an opioid prescription. Narcan reeducation was completed on the postpartum unit using microlearning simulations to address the RNs discomfort in initiating Narcan conversations with patients.
Outcomes
In 2018, post-implementation of STAAR and SDM, there was a 70% decrease in the number of opioids administered with 10-20% of cesarean deliveries not receiving any opioid tablets. Likewise, there was a 71% decrease in the number of tablets prescribed.
In 2024, inpatient postpartum opioid usage remains low. Although varying month to month, 60-97% of patients discharged home with an opioid prescription are also sent home with Narcan.
Implications for Practice
Data monitoring will sustain these EBP interventions to potentially decrease opioid-related pregnancy deaths. Offering Narcan to all hospital patients discharged with opioids will increase its availability in the community and potentially reduce accidental overdoses.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Sustaining Best Practices to Decrease Opioid Use and Prevent Accidental Opioid Overdose
Background and/or rationale
Postpartum patients are a vulnerable population affected by the opioid epidemic. In Illinois, substance use disorder is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with as many as 1 in 300 postpartum patients becoming addicted to opioids. Hospital care practices significantly impact patient pain management, knowledge, opioid availability, and emergency treatment for accidental overdoses.
Aim or purpose of the initiative
In alignment with the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Illinois Department of Human Services Drug Overdose Prevention Program, the perinatal care teams have implemented multiple evidence-based practices (EBP) to decrease the risk of opioid misuse, addiction and accidental overdose.
Implementation plan
In 2018, the Surgical Team Approach to Advance Recovery (STAAR) was implemented using the Iowa model. Implementing these practice changes, along with the EBP shared decision making (SDM), led to a reduction in the number of opioids administered to both inpatients and discharged patients. Opioid prescription data is monitored, and reeducation is provided for drifts in EBP. In August 2023, free Narcan was offered to postpartum patients who were discharged with an opioid prescription. Narcan reeducation was completed on the postpartum unit using microlearning simulations to address the RNs discomfort in initiating Narcan conversations with patients.
Outcomes
In 2018, post-implementation of STAAR and SDM, there was a 70% decrease in the number of opioids administered with 10-20% of cesarean deliveries not receiving any opioid tablets. Likewise, there was a 71% decrease in the number of tablets prescribed.
In 2024, inpatient postpartum opioid usage remains low. Although varying month to month, 60-97% of patients discharged home with an opioid prescription are also sent home with Narcan.
Implications for Practice
Data monitoring will sustain these EBP interventions to potentially decrease opioid-related pregnancy deaths. Offering Narcan to all hospital patients discharged with opioids will increase its availability in the community and potentially reduce accidental overdoses.
Affiliations
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center