Geographic differences in buprenorphine and methadone prescribing for surgical patients with opioid use disorder

Temporal trends showed a significant shift in MOUD prescribing over the study period, with buprenorphine use increasing and methadone use declining in rural and urban populations. Although both medications are considered safe in hospitalized and surgical patients, perioperative management remains inconsistent. Further work is needed to evaluate how these prescribing trends influence clinical outcomes and ensure perioperative protocols support continuity of care for patients with OUD.