Adopting best practices in post-operative analgesia prescribing in a safety-net hospital: Residents as a conduit to change

Abstract Background Safety-net hospitals frequently underperform on surgical quality measures. To achieve equitable surgical care, creative strategies are needed to improve care for this vulnerable population. Methods We designed a trainee-led quality improvement (QI) program to promote evidence-based analgesia prescribing. The program included a collaborative resident leadership model and used educational interventions and performance feedback. Results Before the QI program, 48% of patients were discharged on acetaminophen post-operatively, and 0% were discharged on ibuprofen. In the most recent month since the QI program was launched, 100% of patients were discharged on acetaminophen, and 81% on ibuprofen. Conclusion Our trainee-led quality improvement program demonstrates that surgical trainees can accelerate change and may be a powerful force for improving health equity through safer post-operative discharge prescribing practices at a safety-net hospital.