Understanding Pain Management and Opioids

Understanding Pain Management and Opioids - A Case-Based Curriculum

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Availability

Registration Required

Access expires on Oct 31, 2026

Online Meeting

Feb 24, 2026 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CT

Cost

$0.00

Credit Offered

2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits

2 AOA Category 1-A Credits

OVERVIEW
This activity is a case-based, interactive program designed to improve clinicians’ knowledge, competence, and performance in safe, effective pain management and opioid prescribing across diverse patient populations. Through three core patient vignettes (a middle-aged man with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a pregnant woman self-medicating with opioids, and an older man with metastatic cancer pain), the activity guides learners through evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, and longitudinal management decisions.

Participants will review current evidence and guidelines on the pathophysiology and classification of pain; appropriate use of nonpharmacologic and nonopioid pharmacologic options; and indications, dosing, and monitoring of immediate- and extended-release/long-acting opioids. The curriculum emphasizes risk assessment for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder, use of tools such as PDMPs and urine drug testing, development of patient–provider agreements, naloxone co-prescribing, and strategies for tapering or transitioning therapy, including opioid rotation.

Special attention is given to vulnerable and high-risk populations, such as older adults, pregnant patients, individuals with cancer or serious illness, and patients with mental health or substance use disorders, highlighting tailored approaches and regulatory considerations, including REMS and MATE Act-related training expectations. Through discussion and application of guidelines (e.g., CDC opioid prescribing guideline), learners will practice patient-centered communication, non-stigmatizing language, and shared decision-making to optimize pain control while minimizing opioid-related harms.

Speaker: Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, CMD, FACOFP dist.

OBJECTIVES

Review the origin(s) and types of pain as they relate to pain management and opioid use disorder (OUD)
Fully assess persons experiencing pain including their risk for OUD
Develop safe and effective pain management plans using nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic (non-opioid or opioid) options
Partner with patients to reduce risks when taking opioid therapy

Expiration Date: October 31, 2026

This activity is designated for a maximum of 2.0 AOA Category 1-A Credits or 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies.