Adolescent and Parent Perceptions of Postoperative Opioid Use: A Qualitative, Thematic Analysis

In brief

This qualitative study explores how adolescent patients and their parents make decisions about using prescription opioids after surgery. Through thematic analysis of family perspectives, the research identifies factors influencing postoperative opioid consumption patterns and decision-making processes in the pediatric surgical population.

• Family decision-making around postoperative opioid use in adolescents is poorly understood and warrants investigation.
• Both adolescent and parent perspectives are critical to understanding opioid consumption patterns after surgery.
• Qualitative research can reveal nuanced factors influencing prescription opioid use decisions in pediatric populations.
• Understanding family perspectives may inform strategies to reduce unnecessary opioid exposure in adolescents post-surgery.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.