Maine has made significant progress in combating prescription opioid abuse by implementing a state law requiring the use of electronic prescribing of controlled substances. Since July 2017, over half of Maine’s prescribers are now EPCS-enabled, compared to the national average of 22%. This has provided physicians with a more effective tool to treat chronic pain, while also creating a safety net to help those struggling with addiction. However, some smaller prescribers have faced challenges in implementing the technology without proper funding and training.
Why monitoring high tech systems and data is critical for New Zealand healthcare providers
New Zealand aims to have a top-tier healthcare system, and World Patient Safety Day brings awareness to areas of potential improvement, including cybersecurity. Given the
