Validating an opioid prescribing algorithm in post-operative pediatric surgical oncology patients

A prospective study validated an opioid prescribing algorithm for pediatric surgical oncology patients that reduced discharge prescriptions from 6.17 to 0.21 OME/kg while maintaining 99% patient satisfaction. The algorithm, based on inpatient opioid use and surgical approach, correctly predicted outpatient needs in 84% of cases.