Read more in Part 1 and Part 2 of our series.

When we look at overcoming the opioid crisis from a big-picture standpoint, we know healthcare networks across the country need to connect and have equal access to vital health data to obtain a holistic view of an individual. With the right technology and legislation in place, providers should be optimized to appropriately assess an individual and deliver a thoughtful and informed strategy of care that leads to long-term, successful recovery.

Tech tools to manage care

Empowering providers with the opportunity to go digital with equal access to health data is a good place to start when building a solid foundation to combat the opioid crisis in the U.S. When providers have easy access to a comprehensive view of an individual’s health history, they can treat the underlying condition rather than just the symptoms presenting themselves at the time. An individual may be seen in the emergency department for pain relief for an injury for the fifth time in one month when really, it’s the substance use disorder that needs attention.

This is why it’s important for clinical decision support tools and evidence-based standards to be embedded within an organization’s electronic health record (EHR). Providers can see what that person has experienced in the past, what worked, what is suggested, and what to avoid when determining a plan for treatment. This helps the provider make the best decisions possible.

Clinical decision support tools are most effective when the data is available at optimal moments of the workflow with the focus of measuring the progression of the individual in relationship to reaching their treatment goals. Having the right data at the right time is crucial.