Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact

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

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: **Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact** In recent years, the opioid epidemic has emerged as one of the pressing public health crises in the United States, culminating in unprecedented rates of overdose and addiction. As healthcare providers and community leaders search for effective strategies to combat this crisis, the **Coursera course titled "Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact"** stands out as a thoughtfully designed educational opportunity. This course aims to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the opioid crisis, alongside actionable solutions informed by data and evidence. #### Overview of Content The course’s curriculum dives deep into various facets of the opioid epidemic, structured into well-defined modules that tackle topics vital for understanding and addressing opioid use disorders. Here’s a breakdown of the key content areas covered: 1. **Introduction and Data**: This initial module provides an overview of the current state of opioid use and misuse in America, highlighting trends in overdose while also discussing the limitations inherent in existing data systems. It serves as a crucial foundation for understanding the scope of the epidemic. 2. **Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)**: Here, participants learn about the mechanisms employed to track prescriptions and mitigate misuse. The discussions around PDMP research are invaluable for professionals working in healthcare and policy-making. 3. **Clinical Guidelines**: This module focuses on guidelines designed to promote safer prescribing practices. By examining conversations that shaped the CDC's prescribing guidelines, learners gain insights into best practices. 4. **Pharmacy Benefit Managers**: Given their pivotal role in the pharmaceutical landscape, this module dissects how PBMs impact opioid distribution and the strategies for monitoring prescriptions. 5. **Engineering Strategies**: This innovative module introduces potential solutions through the redesign of opioid medications to minimize misuse and accidental overdoses. This forward-thinking approach to drug safety presents a fascinating area of focus. 6. **Engaging Patients and the General Public**: Communication strategies between healthcare providers and patients are explored, especially concerning safe opioid storage and disposal, which are essential for community awareness. 7. **Treating Opioid Use Disorders**: This educational segment addresses the treatment of addiction as a chronic disease, examining medication-assisted treatment and the necessity of understanding risk factors. 8. **Naloxone**: One of the crucial lifesaving interventions, naloxone use is discussed, along with strategies for improving access and understanding roles that governmental organizations play in its distribution. 9. **Harm Reduction**: This module communicates the importance of harm reduction measures and discusses evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in reducing the risks associated with opioid use. 10. **Stigma**: Lastly, the course confronts the stigma surrounding opioid addiction and treatment, promoting alternative, less stigmatizing language and attitudes. #### Learning Experience The course is presented in an accessible format, combining video lectures, readings, and interactive quizzes to reinforce learning. This structure allows participants to delve into the material at their own pace while benefiting from the expertise of leading instructors in public health, addiction medicine, and policy. The content is not only relevant for healthcare professionals but also useful for policymakers, social workers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of substance use disorders and prevention strategies. Moreover, the course is based on the 2017 report "The Opioid Epidemic," ensuring that participants have access to the most current and impactful research findings. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **"Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact"** course for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the opioid crisis and its implications. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a public health official, a student in health-related fields, or simply an engaged citizen, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to address this multifaceted issue. By bridging the gap between evidence and action, this course provides a well-rounded educational experience that fosters awareness and encourages proactive engagement in combatting the opioid epidemic. Given the ongoing challenges in this area, the insights gained from this course will be beneficial for both personal growth and professional development. Take the step to educate yourself about one of the most pressing health issues of our time by enrolling in this course today.

Syllabus

Introduction and Data

This module reviews the data available about opioid use disorders in the United States. Information about general trends in opioid overdose, and some limitations of current data systems are discussed. This module draws from section 6 of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module provides an overview of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). Explanations of how PDMPs are used to reduce the supply of prescription opioids likely to be misused are discussed. A review of the research about PDMPs is also included. This module draws from section one of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module reviews prescribing guidelines as an intervention for reducing high risk opioid prescribing. A conversation between the course instructors and representatives from CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control about CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain provides insight into the process of developing and disseminating one guideline. This module aligns with section two of of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module provides an overview of the role of pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies in the supply of prescription opioids. Opportunities to monitor high risk prescribing through PBMs and pharmacies are also discussed. This module draws from section three of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module introduces the idea that redesigning opioid medications and the pill vials they are prescribed in is one strategy to reduce unintentional opioid poisonings and diversion. The module features a discussion of a prototype design for a pill vial engineered to dispense a specified amount of medication at programmed intervals to authorized users. This module aligns with section four of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module reviews strategies for communicating with patients and the public about opioid use disorders. Safe storage and disposal strategies are also discussed. This module draws from section five of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module discusses addiction as a disease and medication as treatment. Consideration of known risk factors for disease are also reviewed. This module aligns with section seven of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module describes naloxone, a medication that effectively reverses an opioid overdose, and how access to naloxone has increased. The role of government agencies in disseminating naloxone prescriptions is also highlighted. This module draws from section eight of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module provides an overview of harm reduction in the context of opioid use disorders. Examples of harm reduction strategies are provided, and the available evidence discussed. This module aligns with section nine of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

This module discusses the stigma surrounding drug use and treatment. Strategies for combatting stigma by providing alternatives to stigmatizing language are discussed. This module draws from section 10 of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).