I have launched the data collection, which is “Survey of attitudes & barriers to the utilization of the 2016 CDC Guideline for Chronic Pain Management with Opioids.”  After an initial 7 weeks of pure anxiety, I was able to switch mid-stream to a survey method of data collection for my project.  Two weeks ago I did send the survey via Survey Monkey to 1600 New Mexico NPs.  To date: 10/18/18, I have received 234 replies.  Not what I have expected, but there is excellent information. I will be wrapping up the survey in the next week or so. Putting at 2.5 weeks. One reminder has been sent out on day five, to do the study.  I have received a few personal emails of individuals that know me from New Mexico, knew this was my project, and were very supportive and excited.  A few of them did not do the survey as they were not NPs that did any form of pain management (they wanted me to know).  So far, the data is >70% family NPs, the most significant response group that has been in practice for 1-5 years. 15% have been adult NPs.  These two groups were my targets.  The rest have been urgent care/ER NPs.  They did not manage chronic pain but were passionate about using the CDC guideline. They did provide Narcan to any patients with an opioid script.

The most significant barrier to using the guideline that I could see was: Not enough time with my patients.  And lack of education on chronic pain management with opioids.

What would help them utilize the guidelines:

1. They want an EMR Template based on guidelines 55.71%;

2. Policy Development that correlates with the CDC Guideline(40%) ( A question which stemmed from lack of organization support)

3. More time with the patient 42.86%

4. Patient Education material 41.90%

5. Education on chronic pain management 34.76%

Over 40% expressed not being comfortable with the guidelines.  Over 30% felt very pleased. And the rest comprised of those that either felt the instructions did not apply to the practice. And there was 1 that did not think the guidelines were helpful.

It will be interesting how this all breaks down statistically. What I did get from this was; they are concerned about this epidemic, and over 90% felt this guideline and using it was extremely important and that this did impact their practice in a big way.

Kay