TY - JOUR TI - An educational module to improve provider knowledge of recommended opioid prescribing practices DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-9vf2-y279 PY - 2019 AB - Purpose: The United States is facing an opioid epidemic that is placing a tremendous health and economic burden on the country. Primary care providers face the responsibility of following national guidelines and state laws to provide safe care to their patients, yet there is evidence that clinicians lack knowledge of treating patients with chronic pain. The purpose of this project was to provide an educational intervention to primary care providers on best opioid prescribing practices according to the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and 2017 New Jersey Substance Abuse Disorder Law. Methodology: An educational module synthesizing guidelines and law was created and delivered to primary care providers in a healthcare system in Northern New Jersey through an existing electronic platform. Electronic surveys were used to assess providersÂ’ knowledge pre and post intervention. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to determine statistically significant test score changes pre and post intervention. The frequency of Naloxone prescriptions written were compared pre and post intervention to evaluate a change in practice. Results: 79 primary care providers participated in the educational activity. Data analysis demonstrated a statistically significant (p <0.000) difference in scores from pre test to post test, with an overall increase in test score of 33.3 points. An increase in frequency of naloxone prescriptions post intervention was also found. Implications for practice: The results of this project demonstrate improved provider knowledge and practice of recommended opioid prescribing practices with continuing education. The module used in this project can be adopted in multiple healthcare settings. Future research should explore whether an increase in provider knowledge can be translated into reduced opioid-related morbidity and mortality and improved patientÂ’s safety. KW - Opioid prescribing KW - Family Nurse Practitioner KW - Opioids KW - Pain medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions LA - English ER -