New CDC training and resources for safer opioid prescribing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new training tools and resources to help address the effects of overprescribing on the opioid crisis. One resource, an interactive online training module, highlights strategies for improving patient outcomes by reducing opioid administration and prescribing in the emergency department, diagnosing opioid use disorder (OUD), and initiating treatment of OUD. Another resource, a 4-minute video, describes when and how clinicians should consider initiating opioid tapering and a 3-minute video addresses risk factors likely to increase the risk of opioid-associated harms. Finally, a fact sheet highlights factors that can put patients at higher risk for opioid-related harms.