The acute postoperative pain (APOP) project: An Australian quality improvement initiative

Objective: To improve the management of acute postoperative pain (APOP) in Australian hospitals through a quality improvement (QI) initiative utilising multifaceted educational interventions. Conclusions: DUE methodology utilising audit and feedback and targeted academic detailing interventions was effective at improving the management of APOP in Australian hospitals. Ongoing interventions may be required to sustain changes in practice; these should be supported by appropriate system and policy changes where necessary. Continued availability of project materials and concurrent state and national acute pain initiatives provide an opportunity to reinforce the educational messages. APOP was supported and funded by the National Prescribing Service, Australia.