Chronic Opioid Therapy Tapering

Description

Register now for this online self-guided course.
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Given the gap in tapering techniques currently in practice, participants will learn the most effective ways to titrate and/or discontinue opioid dosages for patients being treated for chronic pain. Participants will use these evidence-based practices to identify, reduce, and prevent substance use disorders. Further, this program will discuss how to wean patients experiencing chronic pain who are on chronic opioid therapy to safe levels or to non-pharmacologic therapy when possible. The program will summarize the best practices of tapering opioids by reviewing evidence-based methods for initiating, evaluating, and titrating opioid dosages and/or discounting opioids for individuals with chronic pain. The program will also review alternative strategies for chronic pain. Participants will learn why and how to treat pain with less or no opioids when possible to help to reduce overdoses and deaths associated with opioids. This course will explore Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).

Approximate time to complete the course: One hour

Learner content includes: PowerPoint, Required and Supplemental Optional Reading and Posttest

Participants will have 45 days from the date of their registration to complete this course. After that date, course materials will no longer be accessible.

This program was designed to satisfy, in part, the North Carolina Medical Board's CME requirement for controlled substance prescribers. Per NCAC rules: As of July 1, 2017 all physicians (other than residents), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and dentists who prescribe controlled substances must satisfy the controlled-substance prescribing CE requirements as set forth by their licensing boards; requirements vary by discipline and board.

MAHEC engages in evaluation activities to better understand the impact of our programs. By registering for this course, you agree that we may use your personal information in evaluative research regarding this program. Any reports published will be de-identified and reported in aggregate format.

Target Audience

The program is recommended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and podiatrists.

Objectives

• Define and summarize the impact of the opioid crisis
• Recall and demonstrate best practices for opioid tapering and discontinuation
• Articulate the risks and benefits of tapering opioids for patients with chronic pain and be able to integrate the knowledge into practice
• Differentiate multiple strategies for coping with chronic pain

Faculty

• Carriedelle H. Fusco, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, NP