Despite these findings, the study authors reiterated that opioid analgesics remain the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe acute pain in emergency departments. Data from 2006-2010 confirm that opioids were prescribed for 18.7% of ED discharges.

There have been millions invested in healthcare technology over the past 10 years focused primarily on improving the administrative efficiency of our healthcare system and providing greater access and coverage. Today, as the healthcare landscape changes and public policy is focused on quality, coordinated accountable care, and expanded emphasis on addressing chronic conditions, healthcare IT has had to grow with it and become more patient-centric to help achieve these goals.

Every state outside of Missouri already has a PDMP in place, but issues with data standardization and differences in regulations inhibit their potential.