How do features of Electronic Health Records Impact Prescription of Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

Abstract

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective medication to help patients quit smoking tobacco. Yet, 18% of adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes. With advancements in health technology and improved features within electronic health record (EHR) systems, it is crucial to understand how differences in EHR features influence the prescribing of NRT. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 174 primary care practices to better understand how EHR features, including drug reference databases in EHRs, were associated with NRT prescribing at a practice level. Regression models were created to understand NRT prescribing patterns among clinics with varying EHR features and found that practices using an EHR with a drug reference database were 2.3 times more likely to view NRT as a high priority for treating smokers. Use of NRT in primary care differs significantly in relation to the capability of a clinic’s technology. Clinics with more EHR features, specifically EHR drug reference databases, favored NRT. Our study suggests that pharmacotherapy could become the preferred activity in smoking cessation treatment, as EHR-integrated drug reference database prevalence increases.