THE COSTELLO PAIN CARE PLEDGE
practitioners having to prescribe of medications via telephone or Telemedicine due to a pandemic that too often prevented in-person visits . In 2021 , our institution sustained that outcome , realizing a 48-percent decrease in opioid prescribing as compared to the year prior to the Guidelines ’ implementation . In fact , non-narcotic prescriptions have been 81.97-percent of our pain medications to date marking a monumental shift in behavior with positive results . Our track record over these several years demonstrates a much smaller number of narcotics for our entire healthcare enterprise , which provides nearly 3,000 pain medication prescriptions per year . This is clear proof that the Guidelines provide a prudent , reasonable approach while also retaining the flexibility a prescriber ’ s judgment demands . And , when that judgment determines that opioids are necessary , the Guidelines require stringent attention to dosage , quantity , frequency , and duration as well as close monitoring of the patient .
Our culture is now forever altered given such conclusive results . As word has spread throughout our sphere of influence , healthcare professionals in the community have embraced our approach . The “ just in case ” method of prescribing opioids is now an outlier : an outmoded approach that we intend will go the way of the dinosaurs . Parents now deliberately ask for this approach and we are aware of many practices that have begun to market themselves as “ opioid free ” just like our School of Dental Medicine . In fact , an October 2021 Orlando Health survey found that more than two-thirds or 68-percent of patients are open to considering opioid alternatives for post-surgical pain management . This is now the path of least resistance . Clearly , our institution is at the forefront of change and we are proud to be there .
The Costello Pain Care Pledge ( The Costello Pledge ) is the next phase of our program to promote opioid-free medication prescription . We are highly aware of the devastating effects of opioid addiction on patients , families , communities and economies . We strongly believe that conscientious healthcare professionals have a responsibility . It is incumbent on us to treat and manage our patients ’ pain with the highest regard for their safety and wellbeing – now and into the future .
The Costello Pledge is a commitment to responsible pain management . We have adopted it as a core part of our curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine . It is part of everyday practice at our institution and will now be included in our White Coat Ceremonies . We encourage and invite all healthcare professionals to “ Take the Pledge .” Visiting our site and adopting the Costello Guidelines for Prescribing Pain Medications is a visible demonstration of a commitment to the ethical standards the Guidelines recommend .
MARCH / APRIL 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 17