Are US Plastic Surgery Residents Equipped to Face the Opioid Epidemic? A National Survey

The United States opioid epidemic is among this century’s most profound threats to public health and demands that all physicians consider their role in reversing its trajectory. Previous literature demonstrated that plastic surgery trainees lack vital practices that promote opioid stewardship. However, it is not understood why this practice gap exists. This is a national survey-based study evaluating the availability and effectiveness of opioid education in US plastic surgery programs. A total of 91 residents completed the survey. Our study found that there is an unmet need for practical and comprehensive training regarding safe opioid prescribing among plastic surgery trainees. “Informal training,” defined as the “learn as you go” method, was found to be more common than formal training and considerably more valuable according to trainees. Trainees cited real-world applicability of informal training and that it comes from teachers whom they know and trust as valuable attributes of this type of education. Furthermore, the severity of the opioid epidemic has not translated into improved trainee education, as there was no significant difference in knowledge on safe opioid prescribing practices between junior and senior residents. To change the course of the epidemic, plastic surgery programs need to better train younger generations who believe they are critical stakeholders. This study lays the framework for the “formalization of informal training,” and the creation of practical and efficacious educational initiatives.