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Shannon Frattaroli, PhD, MPH
While prescription opioids serve an invaluable role for the treatment of cancer pain and pain at the end of life, their overuse for acute and chronic non-cancer pain as well as the increasing availability of heroin and illicit fentanyl, have contributed to the highest rates of overdose and opioid addiction in U.S. history. Evidence-informed solutions are urgently needed to address these issues and to promote high-quality care for those with pain. This course and the report it is based on are a response to that need. They offer timely information and a path forward for all who are committed to addressing injuries and deaths associated with opioids in the United States.
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Syllabus
Introduction and Data
This module reviews the data available about opioid use disorders in the United States. Information about general trends in opioid overdose, and some limitations of current data systems are discussed. This module draws from section 6 of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and Data
This module reviews the data available about opioid use disorders in the United States. Information about general trends in opioid overdose, and some limitations of current data systems are discussed. This module draws from section 6 of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the opioid epidemic in the United States, which is a major public health concern
Provides evidence-informed solutions to address the opioid crisis
Taught by experts in the field, including Shannon Frattaroli, PhD, MPH, who has extensive experience in opioid research and policy
Covers a wide range of topics related to the opioid epidemic, including: opioid overdose, prescription drug monitoring programs, clinical guidelines, pharmacy benefit managers, engineering strategies, engaging patients and the general public, treating opioid use disorders, naloxone, harm reduction, and stigma
Offers a comprehensive overview of the opioid epidemic and its impact on individuals, families, and communities
Provides practical strategies and resources for preventing and treating opioid use disorders
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Reviews summary
Evidence-based look at the opioid epidemic
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of the opioid epidemic in the United States. Students find the content, based on a 2017 report from Johns Hopkins, to be highly informative and appreciate the discussion of various facets, including PDMPs, treatment, harm reduction, and stigma. The modular structure makes the complex topic digestible. While the foundational report is from 2017, reviewers still find the core principles and data discussed to be relevant and impactful for understanding the crisis and potential interventions. Some learners note the topic can be emotionally challenging but praise the course's sensitive handling.
Deals with difficult and emotional subject matter.
"Be prepared, the topic is heavy and can be emotionally challenging at times, but it is handled respectfully."
"Understanding the human cost of the epidemic discussed in the course can be difficult."
"The course doesn't shy away from the tough realities of the crisis, which can be hard but necessary to confront."
Topics are broken down into manageable modules.
"The way the course is broken down into modules makes it easy to follow and digest the complex information."
"I liked that each module focused on a specific aspect, allowing for a clear understanding before moving on."
"The structure, following the sections of the report, felt logical and easy to navigate."
"Breaking down the topic into separate modules made it much less overwhelming."
Addresses a critical and timely public health issue.
"This topic is incredibly important today, and the course provides timely information on addressing the crisis."
"Even though the report is from 2017, the issues and strategies discussed are still highly relevant to current efforts."
"I found the course content to be directly applicable to understanding the challenges faced in my community."
"Learning about the different impacts and potential solutions was very impactful for me."
Content is grounded in research and data.
"The course is heavily based on evidence and research, which makes the information presented highly credible and trustworthy."
"I appreciated that the course materials were derived from a reputable report and grounded in scientific evidence."
"The reliance on evidence is a major strength; it provides a solid foundation for understanding the issue."
"It was great to see how the course drew directly from research and data to explain the epidemic."
Provides a detailed look at the epidemic.
"I found the course to be a very thorough overview of the opioid epidemic from various angles, covering policy, treatment, and prevention."
"This course gave me a comprehensive understanding of the crisis, including the data, interventions, and challenges."
"It really covers a lot of ground, from PDMPs to harm reduction strategies, which is helpful for getting the full picture."
"I learned so much about the different facets of the opioid epidemic through this course."
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 Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact with these
activities:
Read 'Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic'
Show steps
Gain a broader perspective on the history and impact of the opioid crisis
View
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book 'Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic'
-
Write a summary of the book's main points
-
Identify connections between the book's content and the course material
Review Opioid Overdose Data
Show steps
Refresh your memory on the data surrounding opioid overdose to set a context for understanding the solutions
Browse courses on
Opioid Overdose
Show steps
-
Read the CDC's report on opioid overdose
-
Review the data on opioid-related deaths
-
Identify trends in opioid overdose rates
Assess PDMP Data
Show steps
Practice using PDMP data to identify potential misuse of opioids
Show steps
-
Obtain PDMP data from a state or federal agency
-
Analyze the data to identify patterns of high-risk prescribing
-
Develop a case study to illustrate your findings
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of opioid prescribing guidelines and their role in reducing opioid misuse
Show steps
-
Review the CDC's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
-
Identify key elements of effective opioid prescribing guidelines
-
Create a mock prescribing guideline for a specific clinical scenario
Peer Discussion: Stigma and Opioid Use Disorders
Show steps
Participate in a peer discussion to enhance your understanding of the stigma associated with opioid use disorders
Browse courses on
Stigma
Show steps
-
Identify a peer group or discussion forum focused on opioid use disorders
-
Join the group and participate in discussions about stigma
-
Share your own perspectives and experiences (optional)
Design a Pharmacy Benefit Management Plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PBMs to develop a plan to monitor and reduce high-risk opioid prescribing
Show steps
-
Research the role of PBMs in the opioid crisis
-
Identify strategies for using PBMs to improve opioid prescribing practices
-
Create a proposed PBM plan that incorporates these strategies
Contribute to an Open-Source Naloxone Database
Show steps
Contribute to the accessibility of naloxone by updating and maintaining an open-source database
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source naloxone database
-
Review the database and identify areas for improvement
-
Make edits or additions to the database
Volunteer at a Harm Reduction Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in applying harm reduction principles to address opioid use disorders
Browse courses on
Harm Reduction
Show steps
-
Identify a local harm reduction organization
-
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Volunteer at the organization and assist with harm reduction services
Read 'Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic'
Show steps
Gain a broader perspective on the history and impact of the opioid crisis
View
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book 'Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic'
- Write a summary of the book's main points
- Identify connections between the book's content and the course material
Review Opioid Overdose Data
Show steps
Refresh your memory on the data surrounding opioid overdose to set a context for understanding the solutions
Browse courses on
Opioid Overdose
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the CDC's report on opioid overdose
- Review the data on opioid-related deaths
- Identify trends in opioid overdose rates
Assess PDMP Data
Show steps
Practice using PDMP data to identify potential misuse of opioids
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain PDMP data from a state or federal agency
- Analyze the data to identify patterns of high-risk prescribing
- Develop a case study to illustrate your findings
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of opioid prescribing guidelines and their role in reducing opioid misuse
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the CDC's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
- Identify key elements of effective opioid prescribing guidelines
- Create a mock prescribing guideline for a specific clinical scenario
Peer Discussion: Stigma and Opioid Use Disorders
Show steps
Participate in a peer discussion to enhance your understanding of the stigma associated with opioid use disorders
Browse courses on
Stigma
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a peer group or discussion forum focused on opioid use disorders
- Join the group and participate in discussions about stigma
- Share your own perspectives and experiences (optional)
Design a Pharmacy Benefit Management Plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PBMs to develop a plan to monitor and reduce high-risk opioid prescribing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the role of PBMs in the opioid crisis
- Identify strategies for using PBMs to improve opioid prescribing practices
- Create a proposed PBM plan that incorporates these strategies
Contribute to an Open-Source Naloxone Database
Show steps
Contribute to the accessibility of naloxone by updating and maintaining an open-source database
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source naloxone database
- Review the database and identify areas for improvement
- Make edits or additions to the database
Volunteer at a Harm Reduction Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in applying harm reduction principles to address opioid use disorders
Browse courses on
Harm Reduction
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a local harm reduction organization
- Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer at the organization and assist with harm reduction services
Career center
Learners who complete Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Harm Reduction Specialist
Harm Reduction Specialist
Harm Reduction Specialists work to reduce the negative consequences of drug use. They provide services such as needle exchange, overdose prevention, and counseling. This course may be useful for Harm Reduction Specialists who wish to work with people who are struggling with opioid addiction.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate the causes and consequences of drug abuse and addiction. They work with data to identify trends and patterns, and they develop and evaluate interventions to prevent and control drug abuse. This course may be useful for Researchers who wish to work on the opioid epidemic or related public health issues.
Physician
Physician
Physicians are on the front lines of the fight against the opioid epidemic. They are responsible for prescribing opioids safely and effectively, and they can play a vital role in identifying and treating patients who are struggling with addiction. This course may be useful for Physicians who wish to work in primary care, addiction medicine, or other related fields.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors provide counseling and support to individuals who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. They work with clients to develop and achieve treatment goals, and they provide support and guidance throughout the recovery process. This course may be useful for Substance Abuse Counselors who wish to specialize in opioid addiction or work in a related field.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and guidance to individuals and families who are facing challenges, including substance abuse and addiction. They work with clients to develop and achieve treatment goals, and they provide support and guidance throughout the recovery process. This course may be useful for Social Workers who wish to specialize in opioid addiction or work in a related field.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with communities and organizations to raise awareness about health issues, and they provide information and resources to help people make healthy choices. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators who wish to work on the opioid epidemic or related public health issues.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Managers work with individuals who are struggling with complex health and social problems, including substance abuse and addiction. They provide support and guidance to clients, and they help them to access needed services. This course may be useful for Case Managers who wish to specialize in opioid addiction or work in a related field.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a vital role in the safe and effective use of prescription opioids. They can help to identify patients who are at risk for misuse or addiction, and they can provide counseling and support to these patients. This course may be useful for Pharmacists who wish to work in a community pharmacy or hospital setting and help address the opioid epidemic.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of disease and other health problems in populations. They work with data to identify trends and patterns, and they develop and evaluate interventions to prevent and control disease. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who wish to work on the opioid epidemic or related public health issues.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on the news and provide information to the public. They work with sources to gather information, and they write and produce articles, videos, and other content. This course may be useful for Journalists who wish to report on the opioid epidemic or related public health issues.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors work with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. They provide counseling, support, and education to help these individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. This course may be useful for Addiction Counselors who wish to specialize in opioid addiction or work in a related field.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to address social problems, including drug abuse and addiction. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that are effective and evidence-based. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who wish to work on drug policy or related issues.
Educator
Educator
Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with students of all ages to provide information and resources about health issues, and they help students to make healthy choices. This course may be useful for Educators who wish to teach about the opioid epidemic or related public health issues.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners play an increasing role in the fight against the opioid epidemic, both in urban and rural settings. They are able to prescribe medications to treat addiction and work with patients over time to manage their recovery. This course may be useful for Nurse Practitioners who wish to enter or advance their career in addiction medicine or public health.
Criminal Justice Professional
Criminal Justice Professional
Criminal Justice Professionals work in the criminal justice system to prevent and control crime. They include police officers, judges, and corrections officers. This course may be useful for Criminal Justice Professionals who wish to work on drug-related crimes or related issues.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wq8ke1/opioid
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact .
Save
Tells the story of the opioid epidemic in the United States through the eyes of the people who have been most affected by it. It powerful and heartbreaking account of addiction, loss, and redemption.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the opioid epidemic in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the crisis and its impact on public health.
This guide provides information on opioid addiction for families, including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction, and how to get help.
This report provides data on the prevalence and trends of drug use in the United States.
This guide provides information on opioid addiction for loved ones, including how to support their loved one in recovery.
This guide provides information on the opioid epidemic for advocates, including how to advocate for policies that will reduce the impact of the epidemic.
Save
Provides a global perspective on the war on drugs, with a focus on the opioid epidemic in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the crisis and its impact on society.
Provides a practical guide for parents on how to talk to their children about drugs and addiction. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to help their children avoid the dangers of opioid abuse.
Save
This brochure provides a brief overview of the opioid epidemic in the United States.
Save
Tells the story of the opioid epidemic in the United States through the eyes of a young drug dealer. It gripping and cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the need for more effective drug policies.
Save
Tells the story of the opioid epidemic in the United States through the eyes of the people who have been most affected by it. It powerful and heartbreaking account of addiction, loss, and redemption.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wq8ke1/opioid
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Shannon Frattaroli, PhD, MPH
Language
English
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