Abstract
Background: The Women RISE program, educating women and health care providers along with technology support, may reduce opioid use.
Local Problem: Opioid use presented health concerns for women in Virginia's Central Shenandoah Valley.
Methods: We evaluated the impact of Women RISE on self-management of chronic pain and opioid use, provider prescribing practices, and opioid reduction within our community.
Interventions: We implemented the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP), educated women and providers, and streamlined access to the Prescription Management Program. Opioid best practice alerts informed providers about their prescribing practices.
Results: The CPSMP was beneficial in improving women's coping skills, knowledge about opioid use, and overall quality of life. Opioid prescriptions were reduced 34%. We also reduced unneeded opioid analgesics within our community.
Conclusions: Women were better able to manage chronic pain and stressors impacting opioid misuse. Opioid prescribing practices improved, limiting opioid availability in our community.