GP remote consultation to reduce opioid prescribing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the impact of an evidence informed, digitally deployed, GP remote consultation video intervention that aims to reduce opioid prescribing in primary care
IRAS ID
311873
Contact name
Julia Newton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcaste University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NU-010572, ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Opioid prescribing rates are high in the North East and North Cumbria of England. A video message intervention based upon a GP consultation was developed to remotely explain reasons for reduced opioid use and initiate support, targeted at patients identified as prescribed high levels of opioids. The short video suitable for smartphone viewing is messaged using a two-way communication system. Patients can watch the video and request additional support by replying with a simple text or email response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits, risks and costs of ‘at scale’ implementation.
This study will be a mixed methods study comprising of a quasi-experimental non-randomised before-and-after study (phase 1) and qualitative interviews (phase 2). In phase 1, a total of 100 GP practices in the region will be involved: 50 in the intervention arm to send the video message and 50 in the control arm to continue their routine care. The unit of analysis is the GP practice, with no individual-level quantitative data collected. Monthly practice level data will be accessed and followed up for 6 months. A general linear model will be used to estimate the association between the exposure (video message vs. control) and the outcome (opioid prescribing). In phase 2, semi-structured interviews will be undertaken remotely with purposively selected participants including patients who received the video and practitioners involved in sending out the videos. These interviews will be audio recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed and analysed thematically.
This study will provide evidence that will underpin the potential future adoption of the intervention into wide scale clinical management and that may be disseminated as a future national programme via the Academic Health Science Network.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0296
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion