Impacting the Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Education, and Practice for Non-Prescribing Providers

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/opioid

Introduction

### Course Review: Impacting the Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Education, and Practice for Non-Prescribing Providers In recent years, the opioid crisis has emerged as one of the most urgent public health challenges in the United States. With a rising number of addiction cases and drug-related fatalities, health care providers—especially non-prescribing providers—play a crucial role in mitigating this epidemic. The course **"Impacting the Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Education, and Practice for Non-Prescribing Providers"** on Coursera is designed to equip non-prescribing health professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to effect change and contribute meaningfully to this pressing issue. #### Course Overview This enlightening course offers a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis, delving into epidemiology, pain management, prevention strategies, public policy, and treatment protocols. It is aimed at healthcare professionals who do not prescribe but still interact with patients and communities impacted by opioid use. The course promises to empower learners to understand the nuances of the opioid epidemic and implement best practices in their fields. For those seeking Continued Medical Education (CME) credits, the course also provides pertinent information regarding expected outcomes, presenters, and disclosures, which can be found [here](https://ww2.highmarksce.com/micme/index.cfm?do=ev.viewEnduring&eventId=78167). #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Module 1: Epidemiology of the Opioid Crisis** - **Focus:** Learn about the contributing factors of the opioid epidemic. - **Outcome:** Gain insights into the historical, social, and economic factors that have intensified the crisis. 2. **Module 2: Understanding Pain** - **Focus:** Pathophysiology of pain and treatment methodologies, including opioid mechanisms. - **Outcome:** Develop a well-rounded understanding of how pain is perceived and treated, setting the context for opioid use. 3. **Module 3: Prevention of Misuse and Abuse** - **Focus:** Strategies to curtail unintended opioid misuse. - **Outcome:** Learn about prescribing guidelines, monitoring practices, and safe disposal methods to promote responsible use. 4. **Module 4: Working with Patients and the Public** - **Focus:** Tools and strategies for influencing safe opioid use among patients. - **Outcome:** Acquire practical skills to engage with diverse populations effectively and promote safe practices in clinical settings. 5. **Module 5: Addiction Treatment and Recovery** - **Focus:** Best practices for addressing opioid use disorder (OUD). - **Outcome:** Understand the steps necessary for assessing and treating OUD, grounded in the latest evidence-based practices. 6. **Module 6: Public Policy** - **Focus:** Impact of public policy on the opioid epidemic. - **Outcome:** Gain a nuanced perspective of how legislation can address opioid-related issues on a larger scale. #### Final Thoughts and Recommendations This course stands out for its rigorous content—a blend of epidemiological data, practical strategies, and a well-rounded approach to pain management and addiction treatment. The materials are designed to be engaging and informative, making them accessible even for those without a clinical background. I highly recommend **"Impacting the Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Education, and Practice for Non-Prescribing Providers"** for all health care providers, public health professionals, and advocates focused on reducing the impact of opioid misuse in their communities. The course not only enhances your understanding of this critical issue but also equips you with actionable strategies to drive change. By the end of the course, you will feel empowered to make informed contributions to the fight against the opioid crisis, transforming your knowledge into impactful practice. Whether you’re seeking CME credits or a deeper understanding of the opioid epidemic, this course is an invaluable resource. Invest in your education and your community—enroll today!

Syllabus

Module 1: Epidemiology of the Opioid Crisis

After completing this module, you will be able to explain the factors that contributed to the current opioid crisis.

After completing this module, you will understand the pathophysiology of pain and its treatment, including what opioids are and how they work.

After this module, you will understand how to reduce unintended use and misuse of opioids using various strategies, including prescribing guidelines, surveillance, safe disposal of unused opioids, and intervention messaging.

After this module, you will be able to identify what strategies and tools you can employ to impact the safe use of opioids across clinical care settings and with a variety of populations.

After this module, you will be able to describe best practices for assessing and treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and explain the evidence that informs these best practices.

After this module, you will understand different aspects of public policy that can impact the opioid epidemic.