Recognizing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain... And What to Do About It

How do you know when a patient is at risk for developing opioid use disorder? How do you tell the difference between dependence and addiction? And what do you do about it if one your your patients is engaging in aberrant behaviors? Dr. Pentin answers these questions and more in this empathetic and engaging presentation.

Featuring—

Pamela Pentin, MD, JD, FAAFP 
Chief, UW Medicine/UW Family Medicine, Seattle; Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW School of Medicine, Seattle

Target Audience

Nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physicial assistants, physicians, respiratory therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists and other interested healthcare professionals in all settings.

Comments from Conference Attendees

"I believe Pamela Pentin is one of the most compassionate, empathetic, straightforward physicians I have ever had the pleasure of hearing speak."

"I appreciated the direct, simple approach and practical advice given by Dr. Pentin in speaking about patients with opioid use disorder. The case examples were helpful."

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be better able to:

1. Describe the difference between physiologic dependence upon opioids for chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
2. Identify patient risk factors for opioid use disorder before prescribing.
3. Utilize specific tools to help reduce patient risk while prescribing.
4. Address aberrant patient behaviors, including cessation of opioid prescribing when appropriate.