Smart EHR alerts and risk scores to prevent opioid overdoses
Machine-Learning Prediction and Reducing Overdoses with EHR Nudges (mPROVEN)
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11312598
This project uses computer-based risk scores and short electronic health record alerts to help clinicians reduce opioid overdose risk for patients who may be vulnerable.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11312598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will install a machine-learning tool in the electronic health record to flag patients at higher risk of opioid overdose in the next three months. Short, clinician-facing behavioral "nudges" will appear in the EHR to encourage safer prescribing and other risk-reduction actions. The team will pilot and refine the alerts at the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC and then test the approach across clinical units to see if it changes clinician behavior and reduces overdose events. As a patient, you might be affected if your clinician receives an alert about your risk and offers different treatment or safety measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients receiving care within the UPMC system who have opioid prescriptions, prior overdose history, substance-use risk factors, or other high-risk markers in their medical record are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not receive care at participating UPMC clinics or who have low predicted risk based on their records are unlikely to be affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower overdose rates by focusing prevention on patients most likely to benefit and prompting safer clinician decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work validated the machine-learning overdose risk model and showed that EHR behavioral nudges can change clinician prescribing, but combining these approaches at scale in a large health system is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GELLAD, WALID F. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: GELLAD, WALID F.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Cancers