Presented by:
Aaron Newcomb, DO, FAAFP, FASAM,
Medical Director, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program, Shawnee Health Services

Learning Objectives:
1. Review the relative risks associated with long-term opioid therapy for non-terminal pain management, along with emerging evidence on the risks involved in discontinuing opioids after prolonged use.
2. In light of current guidelines, explore the individualized, patient-centered, and collaborative approach to managing patients already taking opioids long-term for chronic pain.
3. Recognize that neither current nor past guidelines have ever recommended the universal tapering or discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy.
4. Learn to view treatment irregularities like unexpected toxicology results or aberrant prescription drug monitoring data as opportunities to reassess the treatment plan and improve safety rather than as grounds for punitive action or discharge from care.
5. Recognize the robust evidence supporting medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine, and actively seek opportunities to initiate or refer patients for this evidence-based, lifesaving treatment.

About: Opioids for the treatment of chronic non-terminal pain are associated with increased risks for serious harms and insufficient evidence to determine long-term benefits. However, tapering or discontinuing long-term opioid therapy is not appropriate for every patient and can carry significant risks. Recent guidelines, including the CDC’s 2022 update, recognize the complexity of these cases and advocate for a patient-centered, collaborative approach to opioid management. This presentation is an exploration of managing such patients using guidelines as a roadmap, challenging harmful misconceptions, integrating risk mitigation strategies, and providing life-saving treatment for patients who develop Opioid Use Disorder. 

Illinois prescribers: This webinar meets Illinois state requirements for safe opioid prescribing, as well as federal training requirements for opioid safety.

Accreditation:
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Webinar Credit Designation:
AMA PRA Category 1 - The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians designates this internet live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.

AAFP Prescribed Credit - Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending.