Using m-Health Tools to Reduce the Misuse of Opioid Pain Relievers

Using m-Health Tools to Reduce the Misuse of Opioid Pain Relievers

The aim of this study is to pilot test a web-based, patient-centered educational program that encourages the patient to have an informed discussion about pain medication options with their emergency department (ED) provider.

This multi-site, randomized trial will evaluate an m-health program designed to aid the patient in making an informed decision about their pain treatment. Patients reporting to the ED with an injury-related chief complaint who agree to participate are randomized to receive the intervention program, My Healthy Choices, or an attention-matched control. My Healthy Choices pairs tailored education with a patient decision aid to describe what opioid and non-opioid pain medications are, assess the patient's risk factors for opioid-related adverse effects, and produce a tailored report that patients are encouraged to share with their doctor. Data are collected through surveys at three time points during the ED encounter (baseline, immediately after the intervention, and just before discharge), and at a 6-week follow-up survey. The primary outcomes are whether the patient prefers an opioid pain reliever (OPR) and whether the patient takes an OPR. The investigators hope this program will facilitate patient-provider communication, as well as reduce the number of prescriptions written for OPRs and thus the number of patients exposed to prescription opioids and the associated risks of addiction and overdose.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ED visit for an injury- or pain-related chief complaint
2. 18 years of age or older
3. speak English
4. has a smart phone or email address that is used on a regular basis
5. no previous medical care for the current complaint
6. triage pain score between 7-10

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to pain medications
• have used a prescription pain medication for more than two days in the past month
• report renal problems or a history of dialysis