New tool helps doctors check prescription histories to curb medication abuse

This study looked at whether a computer tool that reminds doctors to check a state database before prescribing opioids or sedatives helps them follow the law and reduce risky prescribing. Nearly 90,000 patient visits were tracked across emergency rooms, clinics, and hospitals in Colorado. The tool provided information only, without telling doctors what to do, and the study measured how often the database was checked and what prescriptions were written.