September 2018

VA HSR&D researchers conduct an extensive number of investigations designed to improve clinical decision-making and care, inform patients, evaluate changes in the healthcare system, and inform VA policymaking. In Progress is a quarterly publication that highlights ongoing HSR&D research on various topics.

In This Issue: Improving Opioid Safety

• Overview: National Opioid Crisis

Ongoing HSR&D Studies

• Effects of VHA Opioid Policy on Prescribing and Patient Outcomes


• State Prescription Monitoring Program to Evaluate Concurrent VA and Non-VA Opioid Prescriptions


• Primary Care Intervention to Reduce Prescription Opioid Overdoses


• Improving Implementation of Treatment for Veterans with Opioid Use Disorders in Low-Performing Facilities


• Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Morbidity from Opioid Dependency


• Increasing Dental Stewardship of Antibiotics and Opioids