Contextual Factors and Adoption of Strategies Related to Opioid Prescribing Practices in Healthcare Settings: Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Evaluation & the health professions Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 66 - 74
• Main Authors: Ory, Marcia G., Lee, Shinduk, Alonzo, Joy P., Vollmer Dahlke, Deborah, Pardo, Nicole, Smith, Matthew Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-03-2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Health problems; Opioids; Prescribing; Public health; Rural areas; opioid prescribing practices; contextual factors; opioid; implementation
• ISSN: 0163-2787; 1552-3918
• DOI: 10.1177/01632787231211920

This study aimed to examine the association between different contextual factors (e.g., facility size, rurality, and perceived needs) and the adoption of a policy or strategy related to opioid prescribing practices in healthcare settings. Cross-sectional survey data was collected from a convenience sample of physicians (N = 68). Logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of contextual factors on the dependent variables. Less than half reported having a policy restricting opioid prescribing practices, and 81% reported having one or more strategies for the safe use of chronic opioid therapy. After adjusting for other contextual factors, small practice size was positively associated with having a policy restricting opioid prescribing practices. This exploratory study provides insights for further investigation of how various contextual factors can influence policy adoption in different healthcare settings and practices to address major public health threats.