It is estimated that 10-15% of the adult population in the US experience chronic pain. Chronic pain has been shown to be correlated with lost work, reduced quality of life and stigma. Opioids are thought to be “over prescribed” to treat chronic pain, leading to abuse and unintentional opioid related overdoses. Interdisciplinary healthcare teams must stay attuned to current trends and alternatives to opioids. In addition, every team member has a role to play in ensuring opioids, when necessary, are used appropriately and that their use is guided by best practice. Take this course to get the latest in opioid prescribing guidelines, treatment algorithms, and resources to help you more effectively manage your patients with chronic pain.

Upon successful completion of this application-based CPE course, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Describe the history and current state of the opioid epidemic nationally and in Iowa
2. Determine when initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of opioids is indicated in the treatment of chronic pain
3. Develop care plans based on the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
4. Discuss the importance of establishing treatment goals with each patient when developing a treatment plan
5. Evaluate risk related to opioid use through clinical reassessment and monitoring tools including the prescription drug monitoring program and urine drug testing
6. Identify patients that would benefit from tapering and discontinuation of concomitant benzodiazepines and opioids
7. Utilize best practices to mitigate opioid-related risk
8. Communicate with patients about the risks and benefits of opioid treatment, opioid appropriateness, and tapering strategies
9. Discuss the role of opioid use disorder when prescribing opioids

Matt Arnold, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Pharmacist
Genesis Health System

Mitchell Barnett, PharmD, MS
Associate PMP Director
Iowa Board of Pharmacy

Anthony Miller, MD
Clinical Professor
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Iowa City VA Health Care System

Jennifer Kammer, MSN, ARNP-FNP
Nurse Practitioner
Genesis Family Medical Center

Faculty members do not report any actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this continuing pharmacy education course.

This course is available for free and includes course, course materials, and applicable continuing education credits as noted above.

Release Date: October 1 , 2021
Planned Expiration Date: October 1, 2024