Surgery Beyond Opioids: Effective Pain Management Strategies with Brand Newland

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin celebrate five years of podcasting while diving into a critical topic: opioid awareness and pain management in the context of surgery. They are joined by Brand Newland, the CEO and co-founder of Goldfinch Health, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to navigate the challenges associated with opioid prescriptions following surgery.

Brand begins by addressing the opioid crisis, emphasizing the need for a shift in how we approach pain management, particularly in surgical settings. He shares insights from his experience as a pharmacist and discusses the founding of Goldfinch Health in 2018, which aims to improve the surgical experience by advocating for better pain management practices that reduce reliance on opioids.

The conversation highlights the importance of multimodal pain management strategies, which include using non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as innovative approaches such as the TLC method (Tylenol, Lyrica, and Celebrex) to manage pain effectively before and after surgery. Brand explains how these methods can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications, ultimately allowing patients to return to work sooner—an average of 35 days faster than national benchmarks.

Jon and Chris share their personal experiences with opioid prescriptions, illustrating the common issue of being prescribed excessive amounts of pain medication post-surgery. Brand reassures listeners that there are alternatives and encourages them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones when it comes to pain management.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of better pain management practices, with Brand discussing a recent study that shows a significant return on investment for employers who implement Goldfinch's programs. This is particularly relevant for those in the construction industry, where physical labor is a daily reality, and managing pain effectively can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

As the discussion progresses, Brand introduces the concept of enhanced recovery protocols and the importance of preparing for surgery in a way that minimizes pain and anxiety. He shares practical tips, such as staying hydrated and consuming clear liquids before surgery, which can help improve recovery outcomes.

Towards the end of the episode, Brand discusses Goldfinch's new initiative, the Billion Pill Fudge Program, aimed at reducing the number of leftover opioid pills after surgery. He emphasizes the importance of safe disposal methods to prevent accidental poisoning, particularly among children.