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CDC released a new suite of training tools and resources to help clinicians and healthcare executives apply CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain in clinical settings

  • Addressing the Opioid Overdose Epidemic in the Emergency Department: This new interactive, online training module highlights strategies for improving patient outcomes by reducing opioid administration and prescribing in the emergency department, diagnosing opioid use disorder (OUD), and initiating treatment of OUD—especially for patients who have experienced an overdose—through interprofessional collaboration and coordination.
  • Tapering Opioids for Chronic Pain: This 4-minute video describes when and how clinicians should consider initiating opioid tapering, and ways to support patients through the process. This includes working with patients to lower dosages or to taper and discontinue opioids, when appropriate. It provides tips to help clinicians include their patients in collaborative decision making and individualize tapering plans to support the specific needs of their patients. 
  • Risk Factors: This 3.5-minute video addresses the various risk factors likely to increase susceptibility to opioid-associated harms and suggests strategies for mitigating these risks.
  • Identifying Risks When Prescribing Opioids: This clinician fact sheet highlights factors that can put patients at higher risk for opioid-related harms.

Access the full suite of clinician training and resources.