Opioid use for chronic musculoskeletal pain - Clinical Practice Review

Medcast Clinical Practice Review courses provide a quick update on the diagnostic, treatment, and management recommendations to enhance clinical practice. These courses provide CPD across all three categories including Educational Activities (EA), Reviewing Performance (RP, and Measuring Outcomes (MO.

The Opioid Crisis

In 2016–17, 15.4 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to 3.1 million people. Every day in Australia, nearly 150 hospitalisations and 14 emergency department presentations involve opioid harm, and 3 people die from drug-induced deaths involving opioid use (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/opioid-harm-in-australia/summary).

Critical insights for GPs

Opioids have a role in the management of pain, however evidence-based judicious use is necessary to ensure appropriate prescribing and minimisation of harm. For GPs this means acting in accordance with national and state regulations, engaging in accountable prescribing, and understanding holistic pain management including non-pharmacological strategies and weaning processes to reduce opioid dose where appropriate (https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/drugs-of-dependence/part-c1)

Interactive Learning: Blending eLearning case studies and practice review 

Through a blend of engaging learning modalities including 3 eLearning clinical case studies, and a clinical chart review, participants will review the key concepts around

• Managing a patient on schedule 8 analgesic medications
• Authority and schedule 8 medications
• Weaning a patient off opioid medications

. Integration of new knowledge into clinical practice is supported with a reflective activity and application of decision making reinforcing learning, 

This course provides 4 hours of CPD across all 3 CPD activities, and can be completed online at any time.

Participant feedback

Useful information in an important and often difficult area

Well guided step-by-step about S8 medications and strategies on how to help the patient to taper and manage side effects