EHR nudges aim to curb sleep pill overuse in primary care
NCT ID NCT06640023
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether simple changes to electronic health records can help doctors prescribe fewer Z-drugs (like Ambien) for insomnia. About 444 primary care clinicians will be randomly assigned to receive either a default of only 10 pills for new orders, an alert suggesting alternatives and asking for justification, both, or just education. The goal is to see if these 'nudges' reduce the number of sleep medication pills prescribed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
behavioral intervention (EHR nudges: default quantity and alert with justification)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to reduce overprescribing of sleep medications in primary care.
What could go wrong
This is a behavioral study, not a drug trial. The nudges may not change prescribing habits, or effects may be small and not last long.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Northwestern Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States