Presentation/Slides Handout

We know that patients who are co-prescribed opioid therapies and benzodiazepines, a class of sedatives, are at an increased risk of hospitalization and death due to drug interaction and drug overdose. Unfortunately, several challenges persist that contribute to patients remaining on concomitant therapy. During this WebEx we will evaluate alternative therapies for the treatment of pain and anxiety, examine opioid and benzodiazepine tapering strategies, and discuss engaging patients in difficult conversations to promote safe and effective care.

Target Audience:     

Physicians, pharmacists, nurses in a variety of healthcare settings are invited to join this event.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the WebEx, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the increased morbidity and mortality associated with concomitant opioid and benzodiazepine therapy
2. Summarize the evidence to support therapies for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and pain
3. Evaluate strategies for tapering opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines
4. Develop strategies to engage patients in difficult conversations and outline appropriate patient selection for referral to specialty care

Presenter:
Kyle Stirewalt, PharmD, BCPS

Kyle graduated from the UNMC College of Pharmacy in 2016 and completed a one-year managed care residency at the health plan SelectHealth in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since completing his residency in 2017, he has worked for Evolent Health as a clinical pharmacist providing formulary and product management services to employer-based health plans in Indiana, Ohio, and New Mexico. During this time, Kyle has taken an interest in the opioid epidemic and has had the opportunity to collaborate with the Nebraska DHHS and the NMA while enrolled at the UNMC College of Public Health. This presentation is part of his Capstone Experience within the MPH curriculum.

Continuing Education:

Policies and standards of the Nebraska Medical Education Trust require that speakers and planners for continuing medical education activities disclose any relevant financial relationships they may have with commercial interests whose products, devices or services may be discussed in the content of a CME activity. The speaker and planning committee have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Nebraska Medical Education Trust designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nebraska Medical Education Trust is accredited by the Nebraska Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.