Development and implementation of a primary care clinic workflow protocol to meet opioid prescribing guidelines.

Background: Nearly 50% of opioid overdose deaths in the United States involve the use of prescription opioids. Primary care providers can help decrease the risk of opioid overdose deaths by adhering to opioid prescribing guidelines for chronic pain management.

Local Problem: Ten Washington State primary care clinics had gaps in guideline adherence and mandated electronic medical record (EMR) documentation for prescribing opioids.