Modifying emergency department electronic prescribing for outpatient opioid analgesia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine how changing the electronic ordering sequences for opioid analgesics affected ED outpatient prescribing, and subsequent unused opioid tablets remaining in the community available for diversion.

Methods: A descriptive before and after study in adult patients prescribed an opioid analgesic by an ED prescriber for use in the outpatient setting. The hospital electronic prescribing system (FirstNet™) was modified to include smaller quantities of opioid analgesics for discharge.

Evaluation of a targeted prescriber education intervention on emergency department discharge oxycodone prescribing.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on ED discharge opioid analgesic (OA) prescribing.

Methods: A brief, one-on-one, educational intervention was delivered to ED OA prescribers by an ED clinical champion. The percentage of patients receiving (i) written advice regarding appropriate oxycodone use, (ii) written or verbal advice regarding appropriate post-discharge follow up and (iii) written general practitioner notification that oxycodone had been prescribed were determined pre- and post-intervention, through review of electronic patient records and structured patient telephone interviews conducted 3-7 days after ED attendance.