Prior to discharge from the hospital, patients will be approached regarding interest in the study with an introductory letter that describes the content and purpose of the study. Following informed consent, patients will be randomized to receive the consumer health informatics app (UControlPain) versus provision of an app with only data collection function (no educational components). Randomization will be implemented via REDCap by the study coordinators. Further, information on which type of app was installed will not be shared with providers or patients.
Following inpatient surgery, more than 80% of patients are prescribed opioids for use after discharge, yet up to 90% of patients report leftover opioids, and only 16% maximize non-opioid therapy. The proposed research seeks to test a provider-facing decision support tool and a patient-facing smartphone app to reduce the amounts of opioids prescribed and taken following discharge, while ensuring effective treatment of pain after surgery.