PC09 - Opioid Maintenance Pharmacotherapy: An 8-Hour Course for Clinicians

Presentation Summary: The course is recommended for clinicians of all types who have an interest in increasing their knowledge of treatment for opioid use disorder with a focus on pharmacotherapies and treatment within opioid treatment programs (OTPs). The updated curriculum includes guidance for best practice treatment for opioid use disorder.

Topics include an overview of opioid use disorder, epidemiology, opioid pharmacology, including all medication modalities, evidence-based treatment options, patient assessment/selection, various populations including pregnant women, induction/stabilization and maintenance protocols, pain management, drug-drug interactions, adverse drug effects, managing co-occurring somatic and mental health problems, toxicology testing, team management, and regulatory issues. Topics such as the use of telemedicine, and risk management, will be woven into various didactics. Case discussion breakout sessions, lunch with faculty, and dedicated Q&A sessions provide opportunities for more informal and interactive learning with individual course faculty.

While the course is primarily intended for clinicians with limited experience in treatment within OTPs, it also provides updated information for more experienced clinicians as well as for program administrators. Participants will receive a comprehensive syllabus with reference and resource materials. Discussion time further integrates the educational objectives, wherein participants are encouraged to bring up challenging problems and clinical issues to facilitate understanding of principles reviewed in didactics.

Experienced OTP Medical Directors will conduct the program, focusing on the overarching goal for participants - to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary to deliver safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder.

The $300.00 separate registration fee includes course materials.