As we honor Overdose Awareness Week, we reflect on the lives lost and the urgent need for innovative solutions in prevention, treatment, and recovery. Behavioral health providers are uniquely positioned to lead this charge—and health information technology (IT) is one of the most powerful tools at their disposal.
From electronic health records (EHRs) to mobile recovery apps, health IT is reshaping how we identify risk, deliver care, and support long-term recovery. These technologies are more than upgrades—they’re life-saving solutions.
The Challenge: Addressing Overdose Risk in Behavioral Health
Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at high risk for overdose, yet many behavioral health clinics lack standardized protocols for overdose education and naloxone prescribing. Without consistent workflows, critical opportunities for intervention can be missed—especially during routine visits.
A Quality Improvement Success Story
One behavioral health clinic took action by launching a quality improvement initiative aimed at increasing naloxone prescribing and overdose education. Their strategy? Leverage their EHR system with a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool.
This CDS tool automatically flagged patients with OUD or a history of overdose and prompted clinicians to:
- Provide overdose education
- Prescribe naloxone
- Document the intervention
It also provided evidence-based guidance and educational materials directly within the care workflow, enabling providers to make timely, informed decisions.
The results were powerful:
- Naloxone prescribing rates increased by 40%
- Overdose education documentation improved by 60%
- Clinician confidence in addressing overdose risk rose significantly
The clinic used EHR data dashboards to track progress, enabling real-time monitoring and continuous workflow improvements.
Health IT Tools Making a Broader Impact
Beyond CDS tools, a range of health IT solutions are helping behavioral providers prevent overdose and support recovery:
|
Tool
|
Functionality
|
Impact
|
|
EHRs
|
Centralized patient data
|
Enables early identification
and coordinated care
|
|
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
|
Tracks controlled substance prescriptions
|
Prevents overprescribing and
flags potential misuse
|
|
Telehealth
|
Remote access to services
|
Expands care access, especially in underserved or rural areas
|
|
Data Dashboards
|
Visualizes patient trends
|
Informs targeted interventions
|
|
Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps
|
Self-monitoring and
crisis support
|
Encourages engagement
and real-time help
|
|
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
|
Secure data sharing
|
Improves continuity and
reduces gaps in care
|
A Call to Action
This Overdose Awareness Week, let’s spotlight how health IT can empower behavioral health professionals to save lives, reduce stigma, and build a more responsive, connected care system. Whether through CDS tools, telehealth platforms, or mobile apps, technology offers scalable, compassionate solutions to address the opioid crisis.
Together, we can turn data into action—and action into hope.