Providing care for people with opioid use disorders (OUD) is very hard for healthcare workers. It involves working together, closely watching progress, and having access to good data. This combination is necessary due to the advancements in biotechnology and the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). It’s a good start for providing better care to patients who must be supported over a long period.
Why Combine EHR and Biotech for OUD?
Electronic health record (EHR) systems are widely used in hospitals and clinics to track a patient’s medical history, medications, test results, and other key information. While valuable, this data has its limitations. Biotech adds another layer by providing more specific insights, such as genetic markers, biosensor data, and treatment responses that are challenging to monitor manually. Integrated medical equipment, such as connected infusion pumps or wearable monitors, can input real-time data into the EHR, further enhancing informed decision-making. For example, doctors can utilize genetic testing to determine how a patient metabolizes opioids.
Combined with input from innovative medical devices, EHRs can alert care teams when adjustments are necessary, making treatments safer and more personalized.
Real-World Uses
Some hospitals and healthcare providers are already exploring or implementing biotech-EHR integration to help manage opioid use disorders. Here are a few real-world examples:
- Wearable biosensors in recovery programs: A pilot program at the University of Washington integrated wearable devices with EHRs to track sleep disturbances and physical activity in recovering patients. These indicators helped clinicians catch early signs of relapse.
- Saliva drug tests with EHR integration: Clinics using real-time, biotech-enabled drug testing tools (like iScreen or Oratect) can upload results immediately to the patient’s record. This enables treatment providers to verify medication adherence and make prompt adjustments.
- Mobile apps with biometric tracking: Some mobile platforms, such as reSET-O, which have received FDA approval, are being used in conjunction with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to monitor a person’s engagement, mood, and responses to treatment. Although the technology is not yet standard everywhere, it suggests that the future will be more tech-reliant.
- Genomic testing for personalized prescriptions: At select treatment centers, pharmacogenetic testing is used to determine which medications are more likely to be effective for a particular patient based on their DNA. These results are stored in the EHR and inform medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plans.
Such examples demonstrate the power of diverse technologies communicating with one another. Slow adoption does not stop even these small actions from making a significant impact on patient care.
Benefits for Patients and Providers
There are clear advantages on both sides of the care relationship.
For patients:
- More accurate and tailored treatment plans
- Faster intervention when something goes wrong
- Less need to repeat information across visits
- Lower chances of being over- or under-medicated
For providers:
- Better clinical decision-making through real-time data access
- Improved efficiency by reducing paperwork and redundant data entry
- Stronger communication within care teams
- Ability to track long-term patterns that aren’t visible in isolated visits
Adding genetic data to the EHR provides a doctor with a clearer understanding of the patient’s situation than just what is reported during a brief checkup.
The Challenge of Getting It Right
There’s a lot of potential, but also a lot of work to do. Systems need to be compatible. Data has to be protected. Patients need to consent. Not all clinics have the budget to upgrade or add new devices. And, of course, healthcare workers must be trained to use all of it.
Another problem is trust. Some patients don’t like the idea of wearables or constant monitoring, especially when dealing with addiction. It’s a personal issue. Providers must balance valid data with ethical and respectful care.
Still, with over 2 million people in the U.S. dealing with opioid use disorders, it makes sense to keep looking for better ways to monitor and support them. Not all of this will work everywhere. However, for places that can utilize it, the benefits could be substantial.
What’s Next?
We might see more wearable tech that syncs to EHRs, or more personalized treatments based on how each person’s body responds to opioids. Companies are already developing algorithms that utilize biometric and behavioral data to predict the risk of relapse. That kind of prediction could mean the difference between catching an issue early or missing it altogether.
There is an increasing amount of research being conducted on pharmacogenomics—the study of how genes affect drug responsiveness. That is especially important for treating opioids. People might experience better results, have fewer unwanted effects, and receive the proper medication.
The changes happening in healthcare systems are happening at a slow pace. More EHR solutions are emerging, allowing doctors to access data from various platforms. Many tasks remain, but the project’s elements are now coming together.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about replacing human care. It’s about giving care teams better tools. Integrating biotech with EHRs can make opioid treatment more precise, timely, and effective. Not perfect, not magic—but helpful. And sometimes that’s what matters most.
For now, biotech and EHR integration are still in the process of evolving. But it’s already showing how even small changes in how we collect and use health data can make a real difference in treating opioid addiction.
This article was written for WHN by Ron, who is from VEED. He is a passionate content marketer with a wealth of knowledge in the online space. His curiosity and enthusiasm led to the development of a constantly expanding portfolio that includes anything from video editing services to publishing his original creations on top-notch websites.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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