"I don't want my mother to take that!" -- Addressing myths and concerns and managing side effects of opioid medications
University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine
This self-directed learning exercise explores common myths and misconceptions that patients, family members, and providers have regarding the use of opioids for pain. Through an unfolding case, the learner will identify ways to address these concerns and anticipate and treat common side effects of opioid medications. Multiple choice questions are included, and a brief follow up meeting with an instructor is recommended to go over the questions. A workbook is provided. Some external materials are required; see the instructions below.
After completion of this module the student should be able to:
- Discuss common barriers to adequate pain management
- Describe common side effects of opioids and their treatment
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients and families to illicit and address concerns about opioids
In order to complete this module, you will also need to access the following:
- Article Swegle JM and Logemann C. Management of common opioid-induced adverse effects. Amer Fam Phys 2006;74(8):1347-1354
- Fast Fact "Why Patients Do Not Take Their Opioids, 2nd ed" from EPERC
- The answer key for this product will be provided to faculty members only. To request the answer key, send an email to [email protected] titled "Request for Answer Key to Product #20723". Include your full name, your institution, your intended use of the product and any additional information relevant to the request. Also include your supervisor's full name, email address and phone number so that we may confirm your status as a faculty member.
This product is part of a series of 3 independent learning modules on pain for medical students. Companion products are "Assessment and treatment of neuropathic pain" (#20725) and "Treatment of Pain in Persons with a History of Addictions" (#20723). The workbook for this series can also be accessed at http://champ.bsd.uchicago.edu/painControl/index.html.