OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an evidence-based opioid guidelines-based program implemented at the largest worker's compensation insurer in Utah. METHODS: All new claims, including surgeries, were included. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons included percentage of claims treated with an opioid, provision of a second opioid prescription, opioid use above 50 mg morphine equivalent dose (MED), opioid use more than 90 mg MED, and opioid use over 90 days. RESULTS: There were significant (P < 0.001) reductions in all primary outcomes, with a reduction in MEDs in the 18 months after implementation totaling 65,502 mg. CONCLUSION: This program significantly reduced the usage of opioids among acute claims. The year of program implementation, Utah experienced a 19.8% reduction in opioid-related fatalities, which may be partly related to the reduction in MEDs. Regardless, this study suggests that the implementation of an evidence-based guideline is impactful and feasible.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an evidence-based opioid guidelines-based program implemented at the largest worker's compensation insurer in Utah. METHODS: All new claims, including surgeries, were included. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons included percentage of claims treated with an opioid, provision of a second opioid prescription, opioid use above 50 mg morphine equivalent dose (MED), opioid use more than 90 mg MED, and opioid use over 90 days. RESULTS: There were significant (P < 0.001) reductions in all primary outcomes, with a reduction in MEDs in the 18 months after implementation totaling 65,502 mg. CONCLUSION: This program significantly reduced the usage of opioids among acute claims. The year of program implementation, Utah experienced a 19.8% reduction in opioid-related fatalities, which may be partly related to the reduction in MEDs. Regardless, this study suggests that the implementation of an evidence-based guideline is impactful and feasible.
Authors: Oluwasanmi O Adenaiye; Julia B Zirpoli; Marissa Tan; Brendan F Day; Olayiwola Bolaji; Clifford S Mitchell; Marianne Cloeren Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-08-09 Impact factor: 3.752