INTRODUCTION
The United States continues to feel the staggering impact of the opioid crisis — as many as two million Americans have a prescription-related substance use disorder ( SUD ). By some estimates , 45 people die every day due to a prescription opioid-related overdose , four times as many as 20 years ago .
The healthcare industry is addressing this rapidly evolving situation with a broad , coordinated platform that covers everything from viable treatment options to awareness and prevention programs . Not only are healthcare professionals and their organizations tasked with providing care to those affected , but these clinicians and their colleagues have to do so while complying with all legal requirements , whether local , state , or federal , that restrict prescriptions as well as guide treating and reporting opioid abuse .
There is an outstanding need for education that can help healthcare professionals meet the needs of patients caught in this crisis . In addition to targeted learning focused on providing appropriate care to those who are struggling with addiction , staff need high level information to promote broader awareness of the crisis and how it began , as well as how to make a difference in the face of opioid abuse . Likewise , providers need to understand what ’ s involved in compliance regulations , especially around prescribing , in order to lower risk and take care of themselves .
This E-book focuses on the value of education and training for helping healthcare professionals respond to the opioid crisis . Article subjects include :
SEEING PAST THE OPIOID PROBLEM : HealthStream ’ s Opioid-Addiction Training Curriculum , currently comprising two courses , which promotes opioid addiction understanding . A general overview course is supplemented by a specialized second course designed for clinicians that includes CE credit . Additional courses are currently in development to build out the curriculum in such areas as treatment recommendations , signs of overdose , managing at-risk individuals , as well as opioid use disorder management and follow-up .
HEALTHSTREAM , NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM PARTNER TO COMBAT THE OPIOID CRISIS : The Opioid-Stewardship Program , an educational series , built in partnership with the National Quality Forum ( NQF ) and based on their NQP Opioid Stewardship Playbook . This series goes beyond facts and figures about the opioid crisis to provide concrete strategies and implementation examples for healthcare organizations and clinicians . This program is centered on NQF ’ s Seven Fundamental Actions of Opioid Stewardship for Healthcare Providers , which help healthcare professionals recognize and provide effective and safe pain management and opioid stewardship . This training emphasizes that improving prescribing practices is an important first step in combating the epidemic .
NAVIGATING THE UNKNOWNS OF OPIOID REGULATION AND EDUCATION : Regulatory and Enforcement Actions around Opioid Addiction , information that affirms the importance of understanding legal restrictions and regulatory compliance connected to opioids . Medication access and prescription practices are being scrutinized by law enforcement like never before . Providers have to understand what is involved , what is legally required , and how to limit their risk . In this article , Anna Grizzle , Attorney , Bass , Berry & Sims , Nashville , TN , provides advice to guide and protect providers as they navigate between caring for patients and meeting regulatory requirements .
SAVING G . R . A . C . E . program engages with atrisk mothers through prenatal care , delivery , and beyond HealthStream takes an in-depth look at the G . R . A . C . E . program at Lovelace Women ’ s Hospital in Albuquerque , NM . G . R . A . C . E . is a ground-breaking program for a highly under-served population developed by Dr . Abraham Lichtmacher , Chief of Women ’ s Services , and Kelly Wascher , RN , MS , the Manager of Clinical Services , and their team at Lovelace Women ’ s .
HealthStream is prepared to do its part to help healthcare organizations use learning to make a difference in terms of opioid abuse and addiction . To learn more about our training solutions focused on the opioid crisis , visit HealthStream . com / Opioids .