Resource Center

This FREE continuing education recorded webinar was planned and implemented by OptumHealth Education and UnitedHealth Group Center for Clinician Advancement.

Log in here: https://www.optumhealtheducation.com/managed-care/opioid-epidemic-2017

The misuse of and addiction to opioids is a serious national crisis affecting public health as well as social and economic welfare. This crisis has devastating consequences and the number of opioid overdoses per year has quadrupled since 1999.

HCPs play an important role in making an impact on this epidemic. Too often, HCPs operate individually and lack knowledge about addiction treatment approaches. One solution to impact treatment outcomes in a positive manner is to share knowledge and coordinate care among interprofessional teams. Improving the way opioids are prescribed through clinical practice guidelines can also help HCPs offer safer, more effective treatment while reducing opioid-related abuse and overdose.

This webcast will outline ways in which HCPs can and should take action both individually and as part of an interprofessional team to change the trajectory of the opioid epidemic in the communities they serve.

Learning objectives
At the end of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Recognize the scope of the opioid crisis in the U.S., including the rise in morbidity and mortality associated with opioid misuse and addiction;
• Identify actionable resources that enable members of the interprofessional team to work together to prevent and treat opioid addiction to change the trajectory of this crisis; and,
• Explore the important roles and responsibilities of HCPs in combating opioid abuse, such as changing prescribing practices, raising awareness of the risk of addiction, and identifying and treating opioid-dependent individuals.