Patient Safety Presentation

Perioperative Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Update

Frank Overdyk, MSEE, MD

Presented September 5th, 2018 at APSF Stoelting Conference 2018

SUMMARY

  • Preventable, catastrophic harm to patients from in hospital use of opioids continues to occur in significant numbers.
  • Adoption of current continuous respiratory monitoring technology has been accomplished in clinically effective and financially viable ways by health systems.
  • A combination of multimodal analgesia, verifiable provider education, and continuous respiratory monitoring will reduce/eliminate preventable harm from opioids.
  • The public, payers, accreditation agencies, and patient safety organizations must demand compliance with best practices for monitoring patients receiving opioids on hospital wards, and accountability by hospitals.

PRESENTATION MATERIALS

Perioperative Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Update – [PDF]


ABOUT THE SPEAKER(S)

Frank Overdyk, MSEE, MD

Frank Overdyk, MSEE, MD

Dr. Overdyk’s academic interest as Professor of Anesthesiology is mechanisms of respiratory decompensation due to opioids and sedatives. His passion is reducing preventable harm from opioids in hospitals. He currently serves as Medical Director for several medical technology companies, advocates patient safety, and practices anesthesia part time in Charleston, SC.