Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact from Coursera

What's inside

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).

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)

This module provides an overview of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). Explanations of how PDMPs are used to reduce the supply of prescription opioids likely to be misused are discussed. A review of the research about PDMPs is also included. This module draws from section one of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Clinical Guidelines

This module reviews prescribing guidelines as an intervention for reducing high risk opioid prescribing. A conversation between the course instructors and representatives from CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control about CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain provides insight into the process of developing and disseminating one guideline. This module aligns with section two of of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Pharmacy Benefit Managers

This module provides an overview of the role of pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies in the supply of prescription opioids. Opportunities to monitor high risk prescribing through PBMs and pharmacies are also discussed. This module draws from section three of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Engineering Strategies

This module introduces the idea that redesigning opioid medications and the pill vials they are prescribed in is one strategy to reduce unintentional opioid poisonings and diversion. The module features a discussion of a prototype design for a pill vial engineered to dispense a specified amount of medication at programmed intervals to authorized users. This module aligns with section four of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Engaging Patients and the General Public

This module reviews strategies for communicating with patients and the public about opioid use disorders. Safe storage and disposal strategies are also discussed. This module draws from section five of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Treating Opioid Use Disorders

This module discusses addiction as a disease and medication as treatment. Consideration of known risk factors for disease are also reviewed. This module aligns with section seven of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Naloxone

This module describes naloxone, a medication that effectively reverses an opioid overdose, and how access to naloxone has increased. The role of government agencies in disseminating naloxone prescriptions is also highlighted. This module draws from section eight of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Harm Reduction

This module provides an overview of harm reduction in the context of opioid use disorders. Examples of harm reduction strategies are provided, and the available evidence discussed. This module aligns with section nine of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Stigma

This module discusses the stigma surrounding drug use and treatment. Strategies for combatting stigma by providing alternatives to stigmatizing language are discussed. This module draws from section 10 of the "The Opioid Epidemic" report (2017).

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Positive opioid epidemic course

Learners say this is an excellent course for those working or wanting to work in public health. According to students, the course has engaging assignments, collaborative work with professionals, and key figures presenting on opioid epidemic research. However, learners note that some videos are short and the course data is old.

Course was helpful in understanding opioid epidemic.

"This course was very helpful in understanding the extent of the problem and the kind of solutions that can be there."

"It will help me to look at the issue in a different light."

Amazing course with great lectures from key figures.

"Amazing course!"

"I have learned so much from the wide array of lecturers."

"Excellent course with really key figures presenting the research and collaborative work in this evolving epidemic ty to all."

Informative course with interesting content on opioid epidemic.

"A wealth of information."

"Taught me a lot on the opioid epidemic and the ways to help combat this overbearing issue."

"Excellent resource for people interested in pursuing a career in public health or working with people in many disciplines."

Some videos in the course are short.

"There was two videos that I was unable to watch because although they were slotted for at least 15 minutes there was only two or three minutes…"

Course data is old.

"Data is over ten years"

"National examples focus on the Maryland area (which is understandable). However, the course is now offered nationwide. It would be helpful to learn about other regions and the challenges."

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'

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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

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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

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Refresh your memory on the data surrounding opioid overdose to set a context for understanding the solutions

Browse courses on Opioid Overdose

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Read the CDC's report on opioid overdose
Review the data on opioid-related deaths
Identify trends in opioid overdose rates

Assess PDMP Data

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Practice using PDMP data to identify potential misuse of opioids

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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

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Show all eight activities

Create Opioid Prescribing Guidelines

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Develop a deeper understanding of opioid prescribing guidelines and their role in reducing opioid misuse

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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

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Participate in a peer discussion to enhance your understanding of the stigma associated with opioid use disorders

Browse courses on Stigma

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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

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Apply your knowledge of PBMs to develop a plan to monitor and reduce high-risk opioid prescribing

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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

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Contribute to the accessibility of naloxone by updating and maintaining an open-source database

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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

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Gain practical experience in applying harm reduction principles to address opioid use disorders

Browse courses on Harm Reduction

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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