Opioid Overdose Crisis (II)
Suzanne Nesbit, Pharm.D., BCPS - Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Pain and Palliative Care at the Johns Hopkins Health System - and Lucas Hill, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP - Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Director of Operation Naloxone - discuss how to improve patient safety by implementing opioid stewardship and harm-reduction strategies. Key Lessons Opioid stewardship requires multiple components starting first with a commitment to change and includes opioid prescribing guidelines, provider feedback, and patient education. Discussing the goals of therapy, intended treatment duration, and realistic expectations with patients when opioids are prescribed is critical. Patients at high risk of opioid overdose should receive naloxone and trained how to use it. Naloxone standing orders or collaborative practice agreements can facilitate access. Information from prescription drug monitoring programs can be helpful during the medication review process but providers must recognize their limitations. Pain relief requires a patient-specific approach. Patients with a substance use disorder deserve to have their pain addressed too. View and Download the ShowNotes!