Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids –Pharmacology, Implications for Care and Therapeutic Strategies

Description

Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids – Pharmacology, Implications for Care and Therapeutic Strategies 
Presented by Hazelden Betty Ford Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Kerry Hettinger, PharmD

Please join us for this important upcoming live virtual interactive training opportunity “Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids – Pharmacology, Implications for Care and Therapeutic Strategies" presented by Hazelden Betty Ford Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Kerry Hettinger, PharmD on January 30th.

Background:
The landscape of the opioid epidemic in the Kentucky has turned from heroin to a new world of highly potent, illicitly manufactured fentanyl and an increasingly potent and devastating methamphetamine product. This presently unfolding “twin epidemic” of opioids and psychostimulants in Kentucky has led to a 48% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 in the State and has contributed significant risks for primary adverse health outcomes. The dramatic impact of this “twin epidemic” on overdose rates in Kentucky, and the nation at large, suggests existing prevention and treatment strategies are insufficient. Therefore, it is vital for healthcare providers to recognize the diverse impacts and implications that fentanyl and methamphetamine present to existing opioid treatment modalities and in turn, implement new prevention, treatment and overdose response strategies to respond to this acute challenge

Training Summary:
This training will review the clinical pharmacology of fentanyl and the physiological barriers of its’ effects to the standard MOUD induction and prescribing protocols. We will also discuss the current strategies to overcome these barriers including buprenorphine micro-dosing induction strategies, other supplemental withdrawal treatments and the potential impact on methadone and naltrexone treatment. Lastly, we will describe strategies for incorporating harm reduction principles into primary care treatment settings which can support programs in engaging patients with ongoing substance use and facilitate the delivery of evidence-based screening and prevention services.

Objectives:

• Discuss national and state epidemiological trends of fentanyl use and overdose deaths
• Recognize the presentation and unique characteristics associated with fentanyl overdoses and understand appropriate overdose response steps
• Review the pharmacological properties of fentanyls and other emerging opioids of concern 
• Describe strategies for the integration of evidence based harm reduction principles and interventions into primary-care OUD treatment settings
• Discuss impact of fentanyl on buprenorphine treatment and therapeutic potential of micro-dosing as an alternative induction model 

Intended Audience:
This continuing medical education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice pharmacists and nurse practitioners practicing in the primary care setting.

Meet Your Trainer:
Dr. Hettinger a registered pharmacist in Kentucky and Indiana and has served as a PharmD Trainer and Technical consultant for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Professional Education Continuum Solutions Division since 2017. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition and is an active member in several professional pharmacy organization promoting the role of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary addiction care team. In her role as PharmD TTA Consultant, Dr. Hettinger has been passionately involved in providing pharmacotherapy education on addiction and addictive substances to healthcare professionals across the United the States. She has authored many presentations focused on the neurobiology and treatment of substance use disorders, psychopharmacology, medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and opioid stewardship initiatives. Dr. Hettinger has appeared as a featured speaker at several State Opioid Conferences and continues to provide direct training and clinical consultative services to healthcare professionals across healthcare settings. Prior to joining the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Dr. Hettinger held positions in Kentucky independent and corporate retail pharmacies where she was involved in launching state’s first pharmacy-delivered addiction services. 

CME/CNE Approval:
Physician/Nursing Home Administrator: “This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Kentucky Opioid Response Effort, Kentucky Primary Care Association and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Southern KY AHEC is accredited by the Kentucky Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.”

The Southern KY Area Health Education Center is accredited by the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. The Southern KY Area Health Education Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

PA/Nurse Practitioner: This program has been approved by the Southern KY AHEC for Category 1 credit. Non-Physician attendance will be awarded.

KBN Approval: Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Inc. has been approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Provider #4-0059-12-22-044. Expiration Date: December 31, 2022. “Kentucky Board of Nursing approval of an individual nursing education program does not constitute endorsement of program content.” Total approved hours 2.4

Content Overview: This activity will review the clinical presentation and medical sequela associated with pharmacologic treatment approaches.