Alternatives to Opioids: Alternatives and Risk Mitigation Strategies

Course Title: Alternatives to Opioids: Alternatives and Risk Mitigation Strategies

Course Description

This course explores evidence-based alternatives to opioids for managing acute and chronic pain, focusing on both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of alternative medications, including oral and topical options, and how these can be integrated into treatment plans to reduce reliance on opioids. The course emphasizes practical approaches for tailoring pain management strategies to individual patient needs while minimizing risks associated with opioid use. 

In addition to pharmacological alternatives, the course highlights non-drug interventions such as physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and lifestyle modifications that support long-term pain relief. Learners will also examine the critical role of individualized prescribing, pain contracts, and effective doctor-patient communication in mitigating risks. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with strategies to balance efficacy, safety, and patient-centered care in pain management. 

CE Credits:  0.5

Cost:  The 0.5 credit courses will be $49.

Target Audience:  Podiatric physicians, residents, and students

Duration: 30 minutes each. 

Faculty and Bios:

Dr. Chandler Horstmeyer, DPM (click to read more…)

Location: Western University of Health Sciences, Online Learning Platform 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the alternative pharmaceutical options (including oral, topical)   
2. Appreciate non-pharmaceutical options to treat acute and chronic pain.    
3. Understand the importance of the proper drug being prescribed given an individual’s circumstances and risk profile, the pain contract, and doctor-patient communication  

Disclosure This lecture was supported by a grant from Averitas Pharma, Inc. The content of the presentation was prepared independently, and the opinions are not indicative of the views of Averitas Pharma, Inc. or any other party.

Non-Discrimination Policy All continuing education activities follow the WesternU Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation policy. Any person on the planning committee, instructors, staff, registrants, and attendees are agents of WesternU, thus the policy applies to these aforementioned categories of people to provide a safe environment that promotes educational activities. 

Refund Policy: No refunds will be given for non-attendance due to asynchronous delivery. Refunds are issued on a prorated basis based on course completion. No refunds are available after more than 75% of the course is completed or after CME credit is claimed. 

* This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards and requirements for approval of providers of continuing education in podiatric medicine. Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (WesternU CPM) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. WesternU CPM has approved this activity for a maximum of 1.5 continuing education contact hours (CECH) for any one fiscal cycle. 

* This course was developed, and its content authored, by Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine faculty.