Difficult conversations are one of the most challenging aspects of clinical practice. In the era of the opioid epidemic, fewer and fewer opioids are being prescribed in the U.S. each year, which can create friction between patient and clinician and often result in resentment, anger, and even violence on the part of the patient. This clinically-focused session will include how to have difficult conversations related to opioids and opioid prescribing, as well as a live-participant simulation of challenging scenarios pertaining to controlled substances (e.g., counseling a patient about an inappropriate urine drug screen, the need for an opioid taper when medications aren't working, de-escalating a frustrated patient, or diagnosing/counseling about a substance use disorder, etc.).
Note: This session requires separate registration and has limited seating. Sign up when you register for conference.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:
Describe how to discuss the negative aspects of opioid medications in a balanced and compassionate manner without stigmatizing the patient
Explain complicated concepts such as morphine equivalents, opioid potency, and respiratory depression
Create new strategies for approaching their own patients when anticipating difficult conversations
