Use of a Novel Device to Dispense Postoperative Opioids in Patients Undergoing Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy: A Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

The opioid crisis in the United States remains a major concern, especially regarding the safe and responsible use of opioid medications after surgery. This trial focuses on patients undergoing spine surgery who often receive opioids for pain relief. While opioids can effectively manage pain, they may cause side effects ranging from minor issues like nausea to severe problems such as abnormal breathing or addiction. This study aims to evaluate a new device designed to help patients take opioids more safely after surgery. Participants in this randomized trial will be divided into two groups. One group will receive a standard opioid pill bottle along with a mobile app to record daily pain scores and opioid use for two weeks after surgery. The other group will use a new opioid-dispensing device that requires a passcode generated by the app after entering their pain score, controlling when they can access their medication. The study will track opioid use and pain scores daily and assess patient satisfaction with the device after 14 days. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor opioid consumption, pain intensity, and any difficulties using the app or device. On day 14, they will conduct a telehealth session to count leftover pills and gather feedback. Additional assessments include tracking prescription refills up to six weeks post-surgery and verifying medication records. The study's total duration for participants is two weeks, focusing on postoperative opioid use and patient experience with these technologies.

Opioid Dispenser for Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy