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WHoOpSafe
Last updated
Share PrintOpioid reliance in chronic conditions can be mediated through Whole Health (WH) approaches and interventions within a Shared Medical Appointment (SMA). Veterans on chronic opioids for treatment of pain attend a series of SMAs to learn about a Whole Health approach for managing pain. Veterans partner with the care team to develop shared goals that promote wellness and well-being.
Origin:
November 2016, Primary Care
Adoptions:
3 successful
Awards and Recognition:
VHA Shark Tank Winner
Partners:
Diffusion of Excellence
Recent Updates
Overview
The problem
The solution
The results
Metrics
- 20% of patients have been tapered off opioids while 34% have reduced opioid dose by 25 to 99%.
- Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose for all patients combined has decreased by >50% over 4 years.
- Many patients incorporated a complimentary/integrative modality into their pain management.
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Timeline
-
4-8 hours
Identification of adopting team members -
14 hours
Training in how to have a Whole Health Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) -
8 hours
Determining start date, who to invite, setting up a clinic grid -
4 hours
Scheduling patients for the SMA -
4 hours
Sending letters to patients for the SMA -
4 hours for SMA
First SMA ~45 days after initial contact
Departments
- Mental health care
- Social work
- Pharmacy
- MOVE! weight management
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiothology
- Primary care
- Whole health
Core Resources
Resource type | Resource description |
---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
Files
- Handout for Patients with extensive information on Safely using opioids TakingOpioidsResponsibly
Risks and mitigations
Risk | Mitigation |
---|---|
Team does not adopt and work together, lack of patient engagement | Whole Health implementation specialist partners |
Patients do not continue to attend | SWOT analysis to identify barriers to participation |
Adopting team lethargy due to too eager to see results | Partner with successful teams to regain vision |
Contact
Comment
Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.
Email joseph.moates@va.gov with questions about this innovation.
About
Origin story
Original team
joseph.moates@va.gov
Primary Care Provider
As a team member I strongly feel that teamwork makes the dream work always remember sharing is caring and as each member effectively commit to their role, miracles will be manifested.