Pain Core Curriculum Module 5: Opioid Risk Assessment, Mitigation, and Management-Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Daniel Tobin's presentation on "Opioid Risk Assessment, Mitigation, and Management" covers safe opioid prescribing for acute and chronic pain. He emphasizes understanding the benefits and risks of opioid therapy, noting that even short-term opioid use can lead to long-term dependence in 3-5% of patients. Initial opioid prescriptions should be the lowest effective dose, immediate-release, and for the shortest necessary duration to reduce misuse. Safe storage and proper disposal of leftover opioids are critical to prevent diversion.<br /><br />For chronic pain, opioids show modest short-term benefits but limited long-term efficacy. Universal precautions—standardized risk assessment, informed consent, and regular monitoring (using tools like PDMPs, pill counts, and urine drug testing)—are essential to minimize harms. Risk factors for misuse include high doses, extended-release formulations, mental health disorders, substance use history, and polysubstance use. Naloxone co-prescribing is recommended to reduce overdose risk, especially for higher-dose patients.<br /><br />Aberrant drug use behaviors require careful assessment to distinguish between pain management challenges and possible opioid use disorder (OUD). Clinicians should communicate openly, prioritize patient safety, and refer or treat OUD when identified. The presentation also highlights recent regulatory changes easing buprenorphine prescribing for OUD treatment. The key message: practice judicious opioid prescribing, implement universal precautions, and always prioritize patient-centered care while managing risks.

Keywords

Opioid Risk Assessment

Opioid Mitigation

Opioid Management

Safe Opioid Prescribing

Chronic Pain Opioid Use

Universal Precautions in Opioid Therapy

Opioid Misuse Risk Factors

Naloxone Co-prescribing

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment