Solving the Opioid Crisis Teach-Out from Coursera

The opioid epidemic is one of the deadliest drug crises in US history, with opioid-related deaths contributing 42,000 of a total 64,000 U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2016 alone. Recently, the growing crisis was declared a “public health emergency.” In this Teach-Out, experts from the fields of Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Dentistry will help us examine the impacts of this national epidemic and answer the key questions: What are opioids? How did we get to the current crisis? How can we recognize opioid abuse and what can we do about it? What makes the crisis so complex? Join us in this active and ongoing public conversation as we create and share solutions. This Teach-Out is being offered in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and includes a number of expert voices including: -Jay S. Lee, MD -Rebecca L. Haffajee, J.D., Ph.D., M.P.H -Michael A. Smith, PharmD, BCPS -Pooja Lagisetty, M.D. -Daniel Clauw, M.D. -Vicki Ellingrod, PharmD -Romesh Nalliah, D.D.S., M.H.C.M. -Amy Bohnert, Ph.D., M.H.S. -Larry Gant, Ph.D., MSW -Will Potter A Teach-Out is: -an event – it takes place over a fixed, short period of time -an opportunity – it is open for free participation to everyone around the world -a community – it will be joined by a large number of diverse individuals -a conversation – an opportunity to give and take ideas and information from people The University of Michigan Teach-Out Series provides just-in-time community learning events for participants around the world to come together in conversation with the U-M campus community, including faculty experts. The U-M Teach-Out Series is part of our deep commitment to engage the public in exploring and understanding the problems, events, and phenomena most important to society. Teach-Outs are short learning experiences, each focused on a specific current issue. Attendees will come together over a few days not only to learn about a subject or event but also to gain skills. Teach-Outs are open to the world and are designed to bring together individuals with wide-ranging perspectives in respectful and deep conversation. These events are an opportunity for diverse learners and a multitude of experts to come together to ask questions of one another and explore new solutions to the pressing concerns of our global community. Come, join the conversation! Find new opportunities at teach-out.org.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by respected faculty from the University of Michigan

Suitable for a general audience with an interest in the opioid epidemic

Provides an overview of the opioid crisis, its causes, and potential solutions

Discusses the roles of medicine, pharmacy, public health, and dentistry in addressing the crisis

Covers key questions about opioids, opioid abuse, and how to respond to the epidemic

Offers a platform for public dialogue and idea-sharing on the opioid crisis

Reviews summary

Opioid crisis basics

This course provides a basic overview of the opioid crisis in the United States, covering topics such as what opioids are, how the crisis developed, and how to recognize and address opioid abuse. While one reviewer found the course engaging, another criticized it for being too basic and lacking in-depth analysis.

Good overview of the basics of the opioid crisis.

"There was only one interview I found particularly interesting, but it's a great course for those wanting to learn the fundamentals of the crisis."

Course lacks depth and analysis.

"It is inappropriate to dictate to someone how much they should write in reviewing your site and or course, in closing I would say this was the deal breaker I would rate you at a one for demanding how much I should write in a review"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solving the Opioid Crisis Teach-Out with these activities:

Organize and review your notes, assignments, and exams from the course

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Regularly reviewing your course materials will help you reinforce your understanding of the key concepts and strengthen your memory.

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Gather all your notes, assignments, and exams from the course.
Organize the materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or chapter.
Review the materials regularly, focusing on areas where you need additional reinforcement.

Review basic concepts in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology related to the opioid system

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Refreshing your knowledge in these foundational areas will provide a strong base for understanding the complexities of the opioid system and its role in the opioid epidemic.

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Review your previous coursework or study materials in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
Focus on the sections that cover the opioid system, including its structure, function, and regulation.
Complete practice questions or quizzes to assess your understanding.

Join a study group with classmates to discuss course material and practice questions

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Engaging with peers in a study group will provide you with opportunities to clarify concepts, share insights, and improve your understanding through collaborative learning.

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Take turns leading discussions, presenting key concepts, and facilitating practice questions.

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Complete practice questions on opioid pharmacology and toxicology

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Practicing questions will help you master the key pharmacological and toxicological concepts related to opioids, improving your understanding of their effects and potential risks.

Browse courses on Toxicology

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Find practice questions online or in textbooks on opioid pharmacology and toxicology.
Attempt to answer the questions on your own, referring to your course materials for assistance when needed.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need further study.

Follow the CDC's online course on opioid prescribing guidelines

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This online course will provide you with practical guidance on how to prescribe opioids safely and effectively, reducing the risk of misuse and addiction.

Browse courses on Opioid Prescribing

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Go to the CDC website and find the online course on opioid prescribing guidelines.
Complete all the modules in the course, taking notes on key concepts and best practices.
Apply what you have learned in the course to your own practice, ensuring that you are prescribing opioids responsibly.

Review Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics by Patrick T. McGraw

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Reviewing this foundational book will help you reinforce course concepts and terminology, giving you a strong base for understanding the complexities of the opioid epidemic.

View Pharmacotherapy Principles and Practice, Fourth... on Amazon

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Read the preface and introduction to get an overview of the book's structure and key concepts.
Review the chapters on opioid pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics to gain a deep understanding of how opioids work in the body.
Read the chapters on opioid use disorders and their management to understand the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for opioid abuse and addiction.

Write a blog post on the impact of the opioid epidemic on a specific demographic group

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By researching and writing about the impact of the opioid epidemic on a specific demographic group, you will gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic factors that contribute to this crisis and develop critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Opioid Epidemic

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Choose a specific demographic group to focus on, such as pregnant women, adolescents, or the elderly.
Research the impact of the opioid epidemic on your chosen demographic, gathering data from credible sources such as government reports, medical journals, and news articles.
Organize your research into a logical structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Write your blog post, ensuring it is well-organized, evidence-based, and accessible to a general audience.

Compile a list of resources on opioid addiction and treatment

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Creating a comprehensive resource list will provide you with a valuable tool for accessing up-to-date information and support on opioid addiction and treatment options.

Browse courses on Opioid Addiction

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Search for credible sources of information on opioid addiction and treatment, such as government agencies, medical organizations, and non-profit organizations.
Gather information on treatment options, support services, and educational materials.
Organize the resources into a structured format, such as a website, document, or spreadsheet.

Career center

Learners who complete Solving the Opioid Crisis Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors work with individuals who are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. They provide counseling, support, and guidance to help people overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in working as a Substance Abuse Counselor. It would provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the opioid crisis, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to help people overcome addiction.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing difficult challenges. They work with people who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, poverty, and other social problems. This course would be beneficial for Social Workers who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to help people who are affected by it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support and services to people who are struggling with addiction.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with communities to raise awareness about health issues, and they provide information and resources to help people make healthy choices. This course would be helpful for Public Health Educators who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to prevent it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective educational programs.

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Addiction Medicine Physician

Addiction Medicine Physicians are doctors who specialize in the treatment of addiction. They provide medical care to people who are struggling with addiction, and they help them to develop and maintain recovery. This course would be beneficial for Addiction Medicine Physicians who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to treat it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective medical care to people who are struggling with addiction.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are taking their medications safely and effectively. This course would be helpful for Pharmacists who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to prevent it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective counseling and support to patients who are taking opioids.

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Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide emergency medical care to people who are injured or ill. They work in a variety of settings, including ambulances, fire trucks, and helicopters. This course would be beneficial for EMTs who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to respond to opioid overdoses. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective emergency medical care to people who are overdosing on opioids.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They provide a variety of medical services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. This course would be beneficial for PAs who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to treat it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective medical care to patients who are struggling with addiction.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. This course would be beneficial for Nurses who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to care for patients who are struggling with addiction. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective nursing care to patients who are struggling with addiction.

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Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with individuals and communities to raise awareness about health issues, and they provide information and resources to help people make healthy choices. This course would be helpful for Health Educators who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to prevent it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective educational programs.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to improve our understanding of the world. They work in a variety of fields, including medicine, science, and engineering. This course would be helpful for Research Scientists who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to develop new ways to prevent and treat it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective research on the opioid crisis.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to address social and economic problems. They work with governments, businesses, and nonprofits to develop policies that are effective and efficient. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to develop policies to address it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and analyze effective policies on the opioid crisis.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this knowledge to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to research it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective research on the opioid crisis.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with a variety of data sources, including surveys, interviews, and social media. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to analyze data related to it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective data analysis on the opioid crisis.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the provision of healthcare services. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to develop policies and procedures to address it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective policies and procedures on the opioid crisis.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They work in a variety of settings, including private law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Lawyers who want to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to advocate for policies to address it. It would provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for effective policies on the opioid crisis.

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