The strategies developed to combat the opioid epidemic have been diverse. PHSI previously reported on Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, Naloxone availability, and opioid deactivation pouches. These are just a few of the many programs being piloted across the country and new ones are being introduced.
St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey has an initiative to decrease opioid prescribing in its emergency room. Last year the ER changed its’ protocol to include ultrasound guided nerve blocks, laughing gas, non-narcotic injections, and nontraditional strategies such as music therapy and energy healing. By incorporating these non-opioid treatments, the hospital hopes to change both patient and physician perception of narcotics. Many healthcare providers and patients believe that narcotics are the fastest and surest way to alleviate pain, which may not be true for all conditions. St. Joseph’s has reported great success with their new pain management protocol.
Rhode Island and Alabama are two states taking steps to stop over prescribing of opioids. Both states have joined with the American Medical Association to develop ‘toolkits’ for prescribers. The toolkits contain opioid abuse data, practice guidelines, and various resources to help improve prescribing practices. It is too early to see if prescribing practices have changed, however providing education to providers is certainly helpful.
What steps is your organization taking to combat prescription misuse? What impact have you seen in the results?