Description
This transcript features a speaker, Herman Johal, presenting a discussion on the role of regional anesthetics and multimodal approaches in orthopedic pain management, particularly in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare delivery. Johal expresses gratitude for the invitation and acknowledges the valuable conversations that have already taken place. He highlights the inherent relationship between orthopedics and pain management, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of pain, including central, peripheral, mechanical, and psychological aspects.
The speaker discusses how orthopedic surgeries typically involve significant pain, necessitating a thoughtful approach to manage it effectively without relying too heavily on opioids, given their risks and contribution to the opioid epidemic. Johal reflects on the shift toward opioid prescriptions in orthopedic practices, acknowledging the need for reflection and improvements in pain management strategies moving forward. He warns of potential worsening scenarios in post-pandemic patient care, such as surgical backlogs and the risks associated with easy access to opioid prescriptions.
Johal promotes multimodal pain management strategies that integrate various medications and therapies to optimize pain relief while minimizing opioid use. He emphasizes the importance of considering individual patient characteristics and preoperative assessments to select appropriate candidates for these strategies. The speaker concludes by encouraging the integration of regional anesthesia techniques, highlighting their role in improving overall patient outcomes and satisfaction while addressing the complexities of pain management in orthopedics.