Opioid Prescribing clinical trials at University of California Health

This study tests the effectiveness of two email-based behavioral nudges, one based on peer behavior and one based on best practice guidelines, in reducing excessive opioid prescriptions after surgery. It will be conducted in three surgical specialties (general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and obstetric/gynecological surgery) at 19 hospitals within one healthcare system. These specialties will each be randomized to a control group or one of two nudge groups. Each month for one year, surgeons in the nudge groups will receive emails comparing their opioid prescribing either to their peers' prescribing or to prescribing guidelines. Both types of email-based nudges are expected to reduce opioid prescribing after surgery.