3 Contact Hours Best Practices For Opioid Prescribing In Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Course overview

Describe the two major competing responsibilities of clinicians related to the prescription of opioid pain medications. Describe 6 pain-related components of an initial patient evaluation. Explain the term ¿universal precautions¿ as it applies to the evaluation of patients for risk of opioid dependence or abuse. Describe 2 tools for patient risk assessment. Describe 3 advantages of creating written patient/provider opioid agreements. Explain the value of function-based treatment goals as opposed to pain-relief goals. Describe the 4 key steps to take prior to initiating treatment with an opioid pain medication. Explain why special care must be taken with extended-release/long-acting (ER/LA) opioid formulations. Explain why methadone must be prescribed with particular caution. Describe 2 ways to potentially address unpleasant or intolerable opioid side effects. Explain the potential value of using PDMPs.