Physicians, nurses and other practitioners have important roles to play combating opioid abuse. This may be a new and uncomfortable role for some, but essential to turning the tide. Changing prescribing practices is an urgent need, but not the only thing providers and their organizations can and should do. Health care has multiple roles to play in changing the trajectory of the opioid crisis in the communities they serve, including limiting the supply of prescription opioids in circulation, raising awareness of the risk of opioid addiction, identifying and treating opioid-dependent individuals and collaborating closely with community efforts. Special emphasis will be placed on prescribing opioids for pain management and the uniqueness of opioid addiction and its treatment. ​
On April 5th 2019, Avera Health is hosting a free event from 1-5pm CST at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Beyond the Waiver: Addiction and Opioid Use Disorder Training for Health Care Professionals is open to all who have an interest. Objectives include:
- Define the risks and known benefits of treating pain with opioids as well as federal evidence-based prescribing guidelines
- Explain the disease of addiction
- Identify and educate patients at greatest risk for addiction
- Identify patients who are opioid-dependent, provide compassion and care, and refer them to the appropriate agency or community partner
- Discuss evidence-based practices used in the treatment of addiction, including medication-assisted therapy
- Examine new approaches, such as forming partnerships with others in the community to enhance efforts​
This session has limited space so early registration​ is recommended.
