Improving Patient Outcomes for Unhealthy Alcohol USE and AUD

Improving Patient Outcomes for Unhealthy Alcohol USE and AUD is organized by National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Course opens: 11/23/2020
Course expires: 12/31/2022

Description:
Unhealthy alcohol use is a common and serious issue, ranging from risky drinking to alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Unhealthy alcohol use occurs on a spectrum. About 26% of adults in the United States report that they engage in “risky or hazardous drinking”—drinking more than the recommended limits for daily, per-occasion or weekly amounts—resulting in increased risk for health consequences.

This course will provide healthcare professionals with the education needed to facilitate proper screening, follow-up, and treatment for unhealthy alcohol use and AUD. It will also educate participants on the capability of telehealth as a modality to effectively engage patients to improve outcomes and reduce disease burden.

Learning Objectives:
After successful completion of this activity, learners will be able to:
• Discuss strategies and tools to screen for unhealthy alcohol use and AUD.
• Distinguish between recommended treatment options based on the severity of unhealthy alcohol use and AUD.
• Reduce barriers to treatment initiation for patients with AUD.
• Recognize the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy as part of the outpatient treatment plan for patients with moderate to severe AUD.
• Explore factors that influence and improve retention in treatment for patients with AUD.
• Utilize telemedicine effectively as a tool for screening, follow-up, and treatment of unhealthy alcohol use and AUD.