A Pharmacist-initiated Project to Reduce Meperidine Use in Surgical Patients

Background: Meperidine continues to be widely used, especially as a postoperative analgesic agent, despite numerous pain management guidelines have recommended against its use due to its shorter duration of action and potential for serious central nervous system side effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pharmacist intervention on reducing the analgesic use of meperidine. Methods: The usage rate of meperidine in surgical patients before (from October 2008 to July 2009) and after (from October 2009 to July 2010) pharmacist interventions were compared. Pharmacists initiated meperidine clinical pathways to eliminate meperidine use in favor of morphine therapy. Pharmacists provided in-service education and also gave direct intervention on inappropriate prescriptions via telephone calls. Results: The mean meperidine usage rate was decreased from 49.00% to 33.51% among surgical departments after the pharmacist intervention (p<0.05). The mean percentage of patients admitted receiving meperidine was decreased from 17.35% to 12.38% (p<0.05). Conclusion: Through a series of pharmacist interventions provided by pharmacists, a significant reduction in the use of meperidine in surgical patients was achieved. Sustained interventions are needed to achieve better and long-term effects in the eradication of meperidine use.