UW Health program lowers opioid prescribing through coaching

University of Wisconsin researchers are hoping to expand a program that involves coaching primary-care doctors to follow opioid prescribing guidelines as part of the fight against the state’s opioid epidemic.

Doses fell 11% at four clinics that paid special attention to urine drug testing and other patient-monitoring methods, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. Four other UW clinics that were not involved in the coaching program saw doses increase 8%.

The program had a few recommendations for patients on opioids for pain not caused by cancer, such as urine drug testing at least once a year. Researchers recommended mental health screenings to identify other conditions that can be treated separately, as well as the implementation of treatment agreements, which a patient signs to acknowledge the risks and commit to safeguards.

University researchers have applied for a federal grant to expand the pro- gram to almost 40 clinics. Experts said the likelihood of misuse decreases if fewer pills are prescribed.