The issue of chronic pain and opioid use has received widespread attention due to the increased use of opioids, the well-documented co-morbidity of non-cancer pain conditions with mental health and substance abuse disorders, the potential for addiction, and the growing number of deaths associated with prescription opioid use. This conference will focus on helping participants increase their understanding of pain management issues in both urban and rural settings; options for pain management; and addiction evaluation and intervention. In the course of this conference, participants will improve their understanding of current research and best practices related to pain management and opioids.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
• Discuss the history of pain treatment
• Discuss the current knowledge of pain
• Identify management issues involved in prescribing opioids for pain
• Discuss strategies for communicating with patients about pain and opioids
• Identify behavioral options for pain management
• Conduct an addiction evaluation and intervention
• Utilize strategies for weaning patients from opioids
• Identify common errors in opioid pain management and learn how to avoid them
• Identify options for managing pain in a rural area