MetroHealth Reduces Opioid Prescriptions by 33% Using Epic
September 3, 2018
A hands-on approach to the opioid crisis saves 2,300 lives
For MetroHealth in Ohio, a common-sense, practical approach was key to reducing opioid prescriptions by a third.
When a patient shows signs of possible opioid dependence, such as frequently changing providers or visiting the ED, decision support in Epic suggests a lower-dose opioid prescription and non-medication pain treatments. Providers receive training on alternative pain treatments and how to discuss options with patients. If outpatient providers prescribe an opioid, they are also prompted to prescribe the opioid antidote naloxone for patients to take home. Naloxone has saved more than 2,300 lives since 2013 through MetroHealth’s distribution program. (The number of lives saved was updated 11/20/2019 to reflect the latest data from MetroHealth.)
“Our team has been developing creative ways to care for those with substance use disorder for years. Using Epic to reduce use was the next logical step,” says Dr. Akram Boutros, President and CEO of MetroHealth. “It was thoughtful, collaborative and, most important of all, looked out for the well-being of our patients.”
