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Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact

Approx. 7 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about the opioid epidemic, its impact on public health, and strategies to prevent and treat opioid misuse in this course.

Key Learning Points

Understand the history and scope of the opioid epidemic in the United States
Identify risk factors for opioid misuse and addiction
Explore evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment of opioid misuse

Learning Outcomes

Understand the scope of the opioid epidemic in the United States
Identify risk factors for opioid misuse and addiction
Apply evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment of opioid misuse

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of public health
Interest in substance abuse prevention and treatment

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online

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Understanding Drugs and Addiction
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Notable People in This Field

Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Related Books

Description

While prescription opioids serve an invaluable role for the treatment of cancer pain and pain at the end of life, their overuse for acute and chronic non-cancer pain as well as the increasing availability of heroin and illicit fentanyl, have contributed to the highest rates of overdose and opioid addiction in U.S. history. Evidence-informed solutions are urgently needed to address these issues and to promote high-quality care for those with pain. This course and the report it is based on are a response to that need. They offer timely information and a path forward for all who are committed to addressing injuries and deaths associated with opioids in the United States.

Knowledge

Identify data sources for information about the opioid epidemic in the United States and explain general trends in opioid overdose deaths.
Identify ways that prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) can be used to reduce the supply of prescription opioids
Explain why pharmacy benefit managers are relevant to opioid epidemic
Explain the role of prescribing guidelines, safe storage, treatment, reducing stigma, and product design in opioid epidemic

Outline

Introduction and Data
Introduction to America's Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact
Improving Surveillance
Why Data? To Assess Trends
Why Data? To Understand Causes
Why Data? To Develop and Evaluate Solutions
Why Data? To Stay at the Cutting Edge of Challenge
Data Recommendations
America’s Opioid Epidemic Report
Data Quiz

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) Quiz

Clinical Guidelines
Introduction to Standardizing Clinical Guidelines
Standardizing Clinical Guidelines
Clinical Guidelines Recommendations
Clinical Guidelines Quiz

Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Engaging Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Pharmacies
Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Engineering Strategies
Implementing Innovative Engineering Strategies
Case Study of Innovative Engineering Application: Designing a Tamper-Resistant New Pill Dispenser
Engineering Strategies Recommendations
Engineering Strategies

Engaging Patients and the General Public
Engaging Patients and the General Public
Engaging Patients and the Public Quiz

Treating Opioid Use Disorders
Introduction to Treating Opioid Use Disorders
Opioid Addiction and Its Treatment: A Primer for Public Health Professionals, Background (Olsen)
How Does Opioid Addiction Develop?
Why Are Methadone or Buprenorphine Different? What about Naltrexone?
Frequently Asked Questions
Treating Opioid Use Disorders
Interview with Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott
Treating Opioid Use Disorders Recommendations
Treatment Quiz

Naloxone
Improving Naloxone Access and Use, Part I
First Responders and Naxolone
Improving Naloxone Access and Use, Part II
Naxolone Recommendations
Naloxone Quiz

Harm Reduction
Introduction to Expanding Harm Reduction Strategies
What Is Harm Reduction?
Safe Consumption: Setting the Stage
Safe Consumption Space (SCS)
Safe Consumption Spaces (SCS) in the US Context
Safe Consumption Spaces (SCS) in Charm City
Harm Reduction Recommendations
Harm Reduction Quiz

Stigma
Introduction to Combatting Stigma
Stigma on Opioid Use Disorders and Its Treatment
Combatting Stigma with Dr. Beth McGinty and Chief Tom Synan
Stigma Recommendations
Stigma Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

The Opioid Epidemic course on Coursera is highly rated by users. Many users appreciated the course's comprehensive coverage of the opioid epidemic, including its history, causes, and potential solutions.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course's comprehensive coverage of the opioid epidemic, including its history, causes, and potential solutions.

Pros from User Reviews

In-depth coverage of the opioid epidemic from various perspectives
Expert instructors with real-world experience in addiction treatment
Engaging and interactive course materials
Flexible schedule and self-paced learning options
Certificate of completion adds value to resumes and CVs

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course content to be too basic or repetitive
Limited interaction with instructors and other students
No opportunities for hands-on learning or practical application
No option for peer review or feedback on assignments
Not suitable for those looking for a quick, superficial overview of the opioid epidemic

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