Our American Heart Association Opioid Education for Healthcare Providers course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the opioid epidemic effectively. This comprehensive program offers evidence-based education on opioid use, misuse, overdose prevention, and management strategies, empowering healthcare providers to play a crucial role in combating the opioid crisis. Through interactive instruction, case studies, and scenario-based learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding of opioid-related issues and learn practical approaches to identify, intervene, and support patients affected by opioid use disorders.

Course Highlights:

• Opioid Epidemic Overview: Gain insight into the scope and impact of the opioid epidemic, including trends in opioid prescribing, misuse, addiction, and overdose-related fatalities.

• Opioid Pharmacology: Understand the pharmacology of opioids, including mechanisms of action, common opioids, routes of administration, and potential adverse effects.

• Risk Assessment and Screening: Learn how to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and screening protocols to identify patients at risk for opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose.

• Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices: Explore strategies for safe opioid prescribing, including patient education, informed consent, dosage considerations, and alternatives to opioid therapy for pain management.

• Overdose Recognition and Response: Develop proficiency in recognizing opioid overdose symptoms and implementing appropriate response protocols, including the administration of naloxone (opioid overdose reversal agent) and coordination with emergency medical services.

• Treatment and Referral Services: Learn about evidence-based treatment modalities for opioid use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and referral to specialized addiction services.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Understand the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing opioid-related issues, including communication with patients, families, caregivers, and community resources.

Target Audience:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Behavioral health professionals
• Other healthcare providers involved in opioid prescribing and management

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the Opioid Education for Healthcare Providers course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the American Heart Association.

Duration:

The duration of the course may vary based on the specific content covered and the needs of the participants. Typically, the course can range from 2 to 4 hours.

Outcome:

Participants who complete the Opioid Education for Healthcare Providers course will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address opioid-related issues effectively in their clinical practice. By staying informed about best practices in opioid prescribing, overdose prevention, and treatment, healthcare providers can contribute to reducing opioid-related harms and improving patient outcomes in their communities.