Multimodal Pain Management: A Successful Approach to System Initiatives by Targeting Different Aspects of Opioid Reduction

In the past, opioid usage in clinical settings has evolved, initially influenced by pharmaceutical companies downplaying addiction risks. Between 2017 and 2021, Intermountain Health conducted numerous surgeries and recognized surgery as a major factor in opioid initiation, with a significant portion of patients developing dependence. In response, Intermountain Health enacted opioid stewardship measures in 2018, focusing on reducing opioid prescriptions, educating caregivers, standardizing pain management techniques, and utilizing data-driven tools for sustained practice changes.