When patients are scheduled for surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, clinicians check the person’s prescription drug history embedded in the electronic health record. This history provides scores intended to predict the likelihood a patient will misuse or abuse opioids.
Experts agree the algorithm-generated scores may have some benefits. But clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates fear its adoption has come without adequate scientific validation of those benefits. Critics say the lack of demonstrated value has raised the possibility clinicians may be withholding appropriate pain medication from some patients.