Chronic Pain, Opioids, and Suicide Course

Chronic Pain, Opioids, and Suicide Course is organized by Maine Medical Association, Center for Quality Improvement (MMA-CQI).

Original Launch: September 1, 2023
Renewed: July 1, 2026
Expires: June 30, 2029

Description:
This learning module will examine the trends and demographics for suicide in the US, the role that prescription and illicit opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have played in those trends, the risk factors for suicidality in the context of chronic pain and in OUD, and the impact of opioid de-prescribing on suicidality and on population health. A broad overview of compassionate opioid tapering will be covered, as well as the concept of Complex Persistent Opioid Dependence (CPOD).

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, participants will better understand:
• The links between opioid use, chronic pain, suicide, and the subsequent impact on patient care.
• Prevention strategies for unintentional opioid overdose and suicide.
• The principles of ethical and compassionate opioid tapering aimed at reducing unintentional overdose and suicide.

Module Structure:
This module is self-paced and available to any user who registers with the Maine Medical Association, Center for Quality Improvement Learning Lab. The estimated time to complete is approximately 60 minutes. The module consists of multiple sub-sections or units and will contain various elements, including hyperlinks to readings and web resources, video lessons, and pre-and post-assessments needed to obtain a CME Certificate or a CME Certificate of Participation.

Table of Contents:  The units will consist of the following:
Introduction
• Pre-Assessment
• Unit 1 Data trends on suicidality in the US
• Unit 2 Risk factors for suicidality
• Unit 3 Overdose and suicidality
• Unit 4 Interventions to reduce the risk of suicidality
• Unit 5 Tapering considerations
• Post-Assessment