The Opioid Prescribing and Opioid Abuse Training for Dental Healthcare Providers provides Dental Healthcare Providers (DHCP) with guidelines for prescribing opioids for treatment, such as opioid risks and dosage amount. The Opioid Prescribing and Abuse course explains how to prevent an overdose.
Prescription opioids are commonly used to manage moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury, or for medical diseases such as cancer. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the acceptability and use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain. This includes back pain and osteoarthritis, despite substantial hazards and a lack of data about their long-term usefulness.
Dental pain can affect patients of all ages, and for adolescent and young adult populations, it is often the first time they encounter opioids. Dentists have historically been the most common source of opioid prescriptions for this young age group. This age group has been identified as having a high rate of opioid use following an initial prescription from a dental clinician. When undergoing long-term opioid medication in a primary care setting, as many as 1 in 4 patients struggle with opioid addiction.
What You’ll Learn
-
Introduction to prescription opioids
-
Guidelines for prescribing opioids
-
How to identify risks when prescribing opioids
-
Calculating dosage
-
Preventing Opioid Overdoses
Details
Course length: 1 hour.
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, Billing, and HR solutions. To become certified, please visit us at American Medical Compliance (AMC).
Reach out for other courses by visiting the AMC Course Library.
Opioid Prescribing and Opioid Abuse Training for Dental Healthcare Providers
Opioid addiction is a significant public health challenge in the United States. Overdose deaths have been on the rise in the United States for the past few years. Addictions and deaths are both on the rise. This public health crisis will be challenging to solve. Healthcare providers are the first line of defense against the opioid crisis. Providers need to prescribe opioids responsibly and learn how to identify possible signs of addiction in patients. Learners will study how to safely prescribe opioids to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose deaths.
Introduction
While news stories frequently report the impacts of opioid abuse, little coverage is dedicated to their medical purpose. Prescription opioids treat moderate-to-severe pain. Healthcare providers prescribe opioids for a variety of reasons and health ailments. In recent years, physicians have prescribed opioids for chronic pain more frequently. However, patients taking opioid medications face serious health risks. Healthcare providers must understand these risks, as well as the potential care benefits opioids can provide when considering whether to prescribe opioids.
Statistics
The statistics about opioid misuse are acutely distressing. Currently, synthetic opioids are the main cause of drug overdose deaths. Additionally, opioids caused the majority of drug overdose deaths in 2019. Deaths have been increasing each year.
These numbers underscore the importance of proper physician training regarding prescribing opioids. Healthcare providers have an obligation to prescribe opioids in a responsible and accountable manner that protects the health of patients. Learners study strategies to responsibly prescribe opioids to patients.
Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids
The CDC publishes guidelines to aid both patients and providers in understanding guidelines for the opioid prescribing process. Guidelines educate both parties on the risks and benefits of opioid therapies.
Different ailments require different types of opioids. Healthcare providers must understand which types of opioids should be prescribed for different patients. The first step providers should take before prescribing opioids is collaborating with patients to create treatment goals. This provides patients with a clear understanding of what they are seeking to gain from opioid therapy, and it allows them to weigh the risks and benefits more accurately. The plan helps patients decide if they should discontinue opioid therapy. This is important because a plan provides a safeguard against potential addiction or drug dependence for many patients. Learners will study other guidelines and strategies for prescribing opioids responsibly.
Identifying Risks when Prescribing Opioids
Physicians must work with patients to help them weigh the risks and rewards of opioid therapy. Risk factors include but are not limited to sleep apnea, pregnancy, and many more. Physicians should communicate with patients about risk factors regarding opioid therapy to help them make informed decisions. Learners will study different risk factors, potential dangers of opioid use, and how to make informed decisions about prescriptions.
Calculating Dosage
Healthcare providers need to understand that higher dosages of opioids are associated with an increased risk of overdose and death. While many think that higher dosages of opioids lead to reduced levels of pain, this is not true in the long term. Additionally, different quantities of different types of opioids all carry different potencies. For example, 50 mg of hydrocodone has a different potency than 50 mg of oxycodone. Learners will study how to find accurate potencies of different types of opioids to make informed decisions when prescribing them.
Benefits of an Online Course
There are many advantages to taking an online course. Online courses are flexible and convenient. You can work them around your busy schedule. You’re allowed to take this course on your own time and in the environment of your choice. It can improve skills of self-management and self-discipline. This course can be easily taken and easily administered.
