New opioid-related education and treatment resources from ACS, ACOEM
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) have released new resources to help their members reverse the nation's opioid epidemic.
Published in the Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, "The opioid epidemic: What can surgeons do about it?" provides a range of recommendations for surgeons that focus on preoperative management, inpatient management, outpatient management and health system strategies. The article highlights that surgeons "must be aware of the existing resources to help curb opioid overuse. Current mechanisms for monitoring, counseling and treating patients across the continuum of care can help minimize risk to our patients and our communities."
The ACOEM released a sample opioid treatment agreement that includes information about the risks and benefits of opioids as well as a detailed table for potential adverse opioid effects. The sample agreement identifies responsibilities for both the patient and the physician, including that the patient must agree that opioids are only one part of his or her treatment program. In addition, the sample agreement explains the necessity for safe storage of opioid medications, conditions for drug testing, and communication with other health care professionals.
The new ACS and ACOEM resources also are available on the AMA opioid microsite.
