The Opioid Epidemic Deserves More Than a Single-Pronged Approach

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. - Jan. 27, 2020 - PRLog -- In 2016, nearly 64,000 Americans under the age of 50, died as a result of the Opioid epidemic. This is a 540% rise in just three years. This epidemic has become one of the leading causes of death over guns and car accidents and is taking lives at a rate faster than even H.I.V at the peak of its epidemic. Opioid use has long surpassed the simple misuse of a prescription. A graphic published by the New York Times in 2017, shows the growth of Opioid use around the United States spanning from 1999 to 2015.

The Opioid epidemic has even spread to toddlers and young children. Whether they consume an adult drug or are born as an opioid-dependent newborn based on the mother's use, the epidemic is reaching a fatal amount among the US population.

The epidemic which is challenging the population of our country needs to be approached by legislative, social, health policy, clinical and practice initiatives. We need to not only help those already affected by the habit-forming drugs but also work to prevent opiate dependence from developing.

EMS and first responders tackle the overdose problem on a daily basis. Mobile Telemedicine can play a huge part in taking steps to minimize the opioid epidemic. Telemedicine apps allow medical officials to instantly communicate as a team, access vital patient information, simplify listing of patients on the registries and to facilitate the proper protocols between patient caregivers. Treating an overdose patient can be a sensitive situation, causing caregivers to be hesitant. With proper collaboration and communication, providing the proper care can be easier with technology.

What can be done to end the Opioid Epidemic?
As mentioned prior, a multi-pronged approach is needed to fight this deadly epidemic and technology is one such viable tool. At GD our core purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of the public at large, by providing Responsive Innovation for public safety responders and caregivers. GD's e-Bridge™, a HIPAA Secure notification and team communication application is completely configurable and users can create workflow buttons to speed and simplify patient care. This is the only app that can be configured from first medical contact of an overdose through treatment and possibly even through discharge to help the patient survive and stay out of the ED. Let's discuss your organization's goals and efforts in ending the Opioid Crisis- e-Bridge™ Mobile Telemedicine is Simply Smarter Patient Care!

To learn more about our products and how GD can help you, visit www.general-devices.com