Dignity Health | Be well | Spring 2018

ASK FOR ON-Q Ask your surgeon if non-narcotic pain relief is an option for you. 25% Increased risk for opioid addiction if on a prescription opioid for 11 days. Increased risk for opioid addiction if on a prescription opioid for 30 days. 45% Source: Modern Medicine Network; Voice of the Pharmacist “Addiction Risks Rise after Day Three of an Opioid Prescription” Humankindness in action. CRNAs, surgeons, and MMCMS respond to the opioid crisis. The certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) team, surgeons, and Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta collaborated to achieve four objectives: By reviewing ERAS criteria and brainstorming, the team found ways to use continuous regional anesthesia to help patients achieve early ambulation, early nutrition, and early discharge. A plan of care was created for patients meeting ERAS criteria. Enhance recovery after surgery (ERAS) Reduce in-house opioid use Decrease average length of hospital stay Increase patient satisfaction and soccer player before arthritis limited the use of his joint—says he “likes to be pretty healthy and do healthy things.” “Taking a bunch of narcotics is not really conducive to that,” he says. “So if I could avoid them, I would.” For the most part, he was able to manage his post-op pain with ON-Q and over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen. ‘Super easy’ to use e ON-Q system consists of a small pump in a satchel that can be worn at the hip or on a shoulder. e pump contains a ball of medicine that slowly gets smaller as it’s released. A dial is used to adjust the medicine’s ow rate. Feeling too numb? Turn it down. If you’re hurting more, turn it up. “It was super easy to use,” Robin says. When the medicine runs out after about two to ve days, the tube and pump are simply removed and discarded. “It was bulletproof,” says Troy Wood. He used the ON-Q pump after shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cu . “You can dial it from 2 to 14 depending on the pain level. I didn’t have to go over 4 at all.” Troy says he didn’t need to use prescription painkillers either. “I basically had zero pain,” he says. In fact, he was surprised by how well the system worked. “It gives your body a chance to come back from the shock of surgery,” he says. “ e pump is working before you leave the hospital.” Narcotics affect the whole body. Possible side effects: Nausea Constipation Euphoria and sleepiness Breathing problems Itchiness [skin] ON-Q numbs only a specific body part: Sidestep side effects 13 Dignity Health North State