Are Clinical Surveillance Softwares Leaving Money on the Table?

Hey there 👋🏻

Why aren’t clinical surveillance software companies advertising their potential for opioid stewardship, and only highlighting antimicrobial stewardship?

That’s the question I’ve been thinking about.

When I first started my current position 3 years ago, I came across this clinical surveillance software called TheraDoc. My first impression was:

• Wow! the layout is so clean

• It’s SOoo customizable

• The loading speed is unbelievable

(I’m not sponsored by TheraDoc to say these… But hey TheraDoc, you should consider that😉)

Then I asked around to see how people were using it, and all I heard was antimicrobial stewardship. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment:

Opioid stewardship and antimicrobial stewardship follow similar principles. Could I use this same tool to build a pain stewardship program?

And for the past 3 years, I’ve done exactly that—my entire workflow is built around TheraDoc.

But then... why aren't these companies talking about it? My bold guess? They haven’t figured out how to visualize the value proposition of opioid stewardship to sell to hospitals.

Here’s the thing—opioid stewardship isn’t just about reducing opioid use. It’s also about ensuring safe use.

By customizing filters, here’s what I’ve been able to do:

• Identify unnecessary IV opioid use

• Flag patients for naloxone counseling before discharge

• Monitor patients on complex methadone regimens

Now combine that with opioid reduction—and that’s a lot of untapped value.

So to the clinical surveillance software companies not pitching your tools for opioid stewardship:

You’re leaving tons of money on the table.

See you next time

SP