Using Data to Combat the U.S. Opioid Crisis

The opioid epidemic is one of the biggest cost drivers in healthcare, especially now that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In 2014 alone, over 47,000 lethal drug overdoses occurred.

Most opioid dependency is driven by clinical misapplication that is unintentional.

It is critical to use wholistic patient data to address both the overuse and underuse of pain medicines for clinically appropriate conditions — particularly for cancer care or end-of-life transitions. It’s also critical that data is accessible for the entire health care team within a web-based, HIPAA-secure portal, to improve internal care coordination and pain management — starting with the prescriber.

Relias has developed a unique, web-based population health analytics solution using evidence-based algorithms that assist physicians in optimizing appropriate use in the administration of pain drugs. No matter your role within your healthcare organization, the solution helps provide effective treatment intervention.

Benefits of Healthcare Analytics

• Helps care managers and coordinators identify patients at risk for misuse or in need of substance abuse intervention
• Helps Quality Improvement staff measure performance.
• Allows Clinical Directors to target opportunities for program and clinical development
• Helps both Directors of Risk Management and payers assess opportunities for improving the experience of pain care while lowering costs.

As a result, the solution reduces unnecessary opioid prescription, hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

The timeliness of Relias’ clinical approach is further highlighted by the 21^st Century Cures Act, expanding investment and treatment for opioid addiction. Health officials speaking at the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit conference have announced doctor training as the key to rectifying the problem, using tools and data to equip prescribers to practice efficient drug administration.

The healthcare system is struggling to impact the misuse of opioids, but this effort by the 21^st Century Cures Act in parallel to the call for leveraging data as an effective way to address the epidemic, are the recommended best steps forward.

For further information about how your organization can address the opioid epidemic, or to learn more about Relias’ analytics solution, please visit our Analytics page to learn more.