The Role of Digital Education in Addressing Opioid Misuse

The Ongoing Challenge of Opioid Misuse

Opioid misuse continues to be a major public health crisis in the United States, with the CDC reporting over 80,000 opioid-related deaths annually. While prescribing practices have improved, the key to further reducing misuse lies in effective patient education.

✔ Lack of understanding about opioid risks and safe use
✔ Low awareness of overdose signs and naloxone availability
✔ High rates of misuse due to poor medication adherence

Why Patient Education Is Critical to Opioid Safety

Education is a powerful tool in combating misuse. Research published in The Journal of Pain found that patient education programs reduce opioid misuse rates by 25%. The challenge is delivering this information in a way that is consistent, accessible, and easy to understand.

✅ Many patients don’t know how to use opioids safely
✅ Providers may lack time to deliver detailed opioid education during visits
✅ Inconsistent education leads to poor adherence and increased risk of misuse

How Heal Clinical’s HEAL-O Program Improves Opioid Safety

Heal Clinical’s HEAL-O program provides a tablet-based solution that delivers standardized, interactive opioid education directly to patients—before the provider enters the room.

Key Benefits of the HEAL-O Program:

📌 Educates patients on opioid risks – Covers dosage, interactions, and potential for misuse
📌 Prepares patients for emergencies – Includes guidance on naloxone and overdose response
📌 Improves medication adherence – Encourages safe use and proper storage
📌 Supports better provider-patient communication – Reduces time burden on clinical staff

The Future of Opioid Safety: Empowering Patients Through Digital Tools

Reducing opioid misuse requires more than policy—it requires education at the point of care. Heal Clinical’s HEAL-O program bridges the gap between provider intention and patient action, delivering scalable, evidence-based education that enhances safety and outcomes.

💡 Is your practice focused on opioid safety? Discover how HEAL-O by Heal Clinical can help educate patients, reduce misuse, and improve treatment outcomes.