Course Code: REL-ACU-0-OCPM
Hours: 2
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Discuss chronic pain and opioid use in the U.S.
Review the regulatory influences and evidence-based guidelines associated with prescribing controlled substances for pain management.
Describe evaluation and monitoring of the patient with pain.
Identify pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management strategies.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Chronic Pain Overview
Definitions
Pathophysiology of Chronic Pain
Pain Problem Scope
Chronic Pain Consequences
Barriers to Effective Pain Management
Clinician Responsibilities
Section 3: Opioid Abuse Overview
Definitions
Opioid Pathophysiology
Opioid Problem Scope and Prescribing Practices
Risk for Misuse
Opioid Indications and Contraindications
Opioid Consequences
Section 4: Regulation and Monitoring of Controlled Substances
Regulatory Influences
Classification Schedules
Prescriber Considerations
Drug Disposal
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
National Surveillance Systems
Section 5: Evaluation of the Patient with Chronic Pain
Medical History
Pain Assessment
Functional Goals
Psychological Assessment
Risk for Harm
Section 6: Management of the Patient with Chronic Pain
Informed Consent
Treatment Agreements
Care Plan Considerations
Patient Education
Safe Prescribing
Chronic Pain Recommendations
WHO’s Analgesic Ladder
Equianalgesic Dosing
Opioid Tapering
Section 7: Non-Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Overview
Restorative Modalities
MindBody Modalities
Complementary and Other Approaches
Social and Spiritual Modalities
Wellness Modalities
Interventional Approaches
Section 8: Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Overview
Topical Analgesics
Non-Opioid Analgesics
Adjuvant Drugs
Local Anesthetics
Opioid Analgesics
New Pharmacologic Options
Cannabinoids
Section 9: Monitoring Patients Taking Opioid Therapy
Rationale
Frequency
Recommendations for All Patients
Recommendations for High-Risk Patients
Deterring Misuse
Signs of Overdose and Withdrawal
Treating Overdose and OUD
Section 10: Clinical Vignette
Section 11: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Writer: Cathryn Ayers, RN
Cathryn Ayers, RN, MSN has nearly 10 years of critical care experience. She was active in multiple committees to improve patient safety, executed staff education activities, and managed the new graduate orientation program for those entering intensive care units. Cathryn obtained a license for massage and bodywork therapy in 2012 and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2016 with a Master of Science in Nursing Education. She has provided telephonic case management services and developed program materials to facilitate positive outcomes for people with rare conditions across the United States. Cathryn has a passion for teaching and helping others to be their best.
Subject Matter Expert: Johnny J. Bethea, II, RPh
Johnny received a B.S. Pharmacy degree from the College of Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has earned certificates in Medication Therapy Management, Injectable Medications, and Asthma Therapy Management. At Relias, Johnny serves as a Partner in Behavioral Health Solutions, where duties include serving on Clinical Analytics and Applications Team, developing algorithms to improve clinical outcomes, engineering clinical consultant, SME, writer, and editor. In addition, he has served on the Executive Board of Directors for CMHCs and other medical organizations, pharmacy manager, APPE Preceptor, and college of pharmacy dean’s advisory council.
Subject Matter Expert: Daniel Migliaccio, FDP, FAAEM
Dr. Daniel Migliaccio is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of Emergency Ultrasound as well as the Ultrasound Fellowship Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. During Residency, Dr. Migliaccio was able to obtain an Honors Certificate in Medical Education from the Clinical Teaching Scholars Honors Program. He was also fortunate enough to be able to focus on his ultrasound skills, leading to an award for Outstanding Achievement in Ultrasound. Dr. Migliaccio is passionate about medical education, point of care ultrasound, and optimizing patient care using current literature. He is currently board certified in point of care ultrasound with a Focused Practice Designation in advanced point of care ultrasound through the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is enthusiastic about promoting Emergency Medicine and patient care nationally.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Nurses; Pharmacists; Physicians; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.