What physicians need to implement safer opioid prescribing: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Public Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• The US opioid epidemic prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline for chronic pain opioid prescribing.
• Successful implementation hinges on understanding physician needs for information, skills, and support, which is currently unaddressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify physician needs and perspectives for implementing the CDC guideline for opioid prescribing.
• To explore perceived barriers and communication strategies related to guideline adoption.

Main Methods:

• One-on-one interviews with nine practicing physicians.
• Thematic qualitative analysis of transcribed audio recordings.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: communication, knowledge, and information technology (IT).
• Physicians find patient communication challenging but essential, sharing specific strategies.
• Knowledge gaps include non-opioid treatment access and naloxone prescribing; IT (EHR) is crucial for decision support and safer prescribing.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative data highlight practical needs for safer opioid prescribing implementation plans.
• Healthcare systems should offer communication training, education (e.g., naloxone), non-pharmacologic referral resources, and IT solutions.
• Further research is required to validate the effectiveness of these measures on patient outcomes.