#1014 Prescription Opioids: Risk Management and Strategies for Safe Use (15 Credits/Hours)

(15 Credits/Hours)

Launch Date: August 5, 2025
Expires: August 31, 2027

Course Overview

This comprehensive course provides healthcare professionals and stakeholders with evidence-based knowledge and practical strategies for the safe management of prescription opioids. Participants will learn to balance effective pain management with risk mitigation, ensuring optimal patient outcomes while preventing misuse and addiction.

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Prescription Opioids: Classification and Mechanisms of Action
2. Understanding Pain: Acute vs. Chronic Pain Management Principles
3. Opioid Risk Assessment: Patient Screening and Evaluation Tools
4. Safe Prescribing Guidelines: Dosing, Duration, and Selection Criteria
5. Patient Education: Informed Consent and Medication Safety
6. Monitoring and Follow-up: Tracking Patient Response and Compliance
7. Recognizing Signs of Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion
8. Opioid Use Disorder: Recognition, Assessment, and Intervention
9. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: Implementation and Best Practices
10. Non-Opioid Pain Management Alternatives and Multimodal Approaches
11. Special Populations: Elderly, Pregnant Women, and Patients with Comorbidities
12. Tapering and Discontinuation: Safe Reduction Strategies
13. Managing Withdrawal Symptoms and Complications
14. Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Administration
15. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: DEA Guidelines and State Laws
16. Storage, Disposal, and Security of Prescription Opioids
17. Interdisciplinary Care: Building Effective Healthcare Teams
18. Case Studies and Clinical Decision-Making Scenarios

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply evidence-based risk assessment tools to evaluate patients for opioid therapy
• Implement safe prescribing practices that minimize risks while ensuring effective pain management
• Educate patients about proper opioid use, storage, and disposal
• Recognize early warning signs of opioid misuse and addiction
• Utilize prescription drug monitoring programs effectively
• Develop comprehensive pain management plans incorporating non-opioid alternatives
• Execute safe tapering protocols when discontinuing opioid therapy
• Respond appropriately to opioid overdose emergencies
• Navigate legal and regulatory requirements governing opioid prescribing
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care