Table 7 Access to Pain Medications in Australia – Expert derived recommendations for Round 2 and 3
From: Acute postoperative pain management protocols in podiatric surgery within Australia: a Delphi study
Delphi Statement | Consensusa,b (Median) | Interquartile rangec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 2 | Round 3 | |
Currently for postoperative pain management following podiatric surgery, podiatric surgeons in Australia have access to over-the-counter medications, local anaesthetics, schedule 4 NSAIDs, injectable/topical corticosteroids, opioids (codeine and oxycodone in short acting and IR form), promethazine for anti-emetic purposes, and injectable naloxone. | ||||
 Podiatric surgeons in Australia should have access to a higher oral oxycodone dose strength and duration of course than the current regimen (i.e. Must only prescribe up to 10 mg doses, maximum of 20 mg in 24 h, for a maximum of 3 days.) | A (8) | A (9) | 7–9 | 5.75–9 |
 In addition to current the endorsements allowed for pain management listed above, podiatric surgeons in Australia should have prescription rights for other oral opioids such as tapentadol and/or tramadol. | A (9) | A (9) | 9–9 | 9–9 |
 In addition to current the endorsements allowed for pain management listed above, podiatric surgeons in Australia should have prescription rights for other opioids such as sublingual buprenorphine. | A (9) | A (9) | 7.25–9 | 8–9 |
 In addition to current the endorsements allowed for pain management listed above, podiatric surgeons in Australia should have prescription rights for other non-opioid oral alternatives such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and ketamine. | A (9) | A (9) | 8–9 | 9–9 |
 In addition to current the endorsements allowed for pain management listed above, podiatric surgeons should have access to other anti-emetic medications, for patients who experience nausea and vomiting. | A (9) | A (9) | 9–9 | 9–9 |
 Podiatric surgeons in Australia should have access to an open formulary, ensuring that further specialist opinion is sought to ensure optimal pain management. | A (9) | A (9) | 9–9 | 8.25–9 |