A Randomized-Controlled Trial Evaluating the Impact of a Web Tutorial on Perceptions and Usage of Opioids Post-Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a web tutorial on perceptions of pain management and usage of opioids after carpal tunnel release surgery (post-CTR). Methods: A web tutorial was developed by the authors, and patients were consented and enrolled if they were over the age of 18 years, could speak and understand English, and were having CTR. Patients were randomized to either view or not view the web tutorial before surgery, and all patients took a 19-question online survey approximately 2 weeks after surgery to assess their views on pain management and their self-reported opioid usage. All patients received standard-of-care instructions for postoperative pain management and were prescribed fifteen 5 mg tablets of oxycodone. Independent sample Results: Sixty-seven patients were enrolled, with 17 lost to follow-up; therefore, 50 patients were included in the final study cohort and completed the online survey ( Conclusions: Our web tutorial did not notably impact the way patients perceived pain management or opioid risks post-CTR. However, a smaller proportion of the group that watched our tutorial reported opioid consumption post-CTR relative to the group that did not view our tutorial, suggesting that web tutorials may be a viable way to encourage patients to confer to minimal opioid usage and pain management regimens. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapy/Prevention, Etiology/Harm IV.