Understanding Clinician Views on Nudge Interventions for Opioid Prescribing
Objective: This study aimed to explore how healthcare providers perceive nudge interventions that help prevent unsafe prescribing of opioids for acute pain in primary care settings.
Study Design
We conducted interviews with clinicians in 48 different healthcare practices across three systems.
Participants
The study involved primary care clinicians who had experienced nudge interventions during a randomized clinical trial.
Interventions
The interventions included alerts in electronic health records when prescribing opioids, along with additional nudge strategies like:
- Written justification for prescribing opioids
- Monthly emails comparing prescribing patterns among clinicians
Main Findings
We interviewed 77 clinicians and found that:
- Clinicians generally had positive views about the nudge interventions.
- However, they felt these interventions did not significantly change their own opioid prescribing habits, possibly because they were already prescribing fewer opioids due to other measures.
- Clinicians suggested that these interventions should continue to support those who prescribe opioids more frequently.
Conclusion
Nudge interventions are seen as a helpful addition to current strategies aimed at preventing unsafe opioid prescribing in primary care.
Opportunities for Improvement
Based on the trial data, here are some actionable steps:
Define Measurable Outcomes
Set clear goals to assess clinician perceptions of nudge interventions and their impact on opioid prescribing for clinics and patients.
Select AI Tools That Fit Clinical Needs
Choose AI solutions that are tailored to specific tasks related to opioid prescribing interventions.
Implement Step by Step and Expand
Start with a pilot project to test AI solutions, track results, and evaluate the real-world impact of the nudge interventions.
Contact Us for AI Solutions in Medical Management
For more information, reach out to us:
