Pathways To Safer Opioid Use Reflection 3 Lisette Duque West

Pathways To Safer Opioid Use Reflection 3 Lisette Duque West Coast University

Pathways To Safer Opioid Use Reflection 3 Lisette Duque West Coast University Advanced Pharmacology I assumed the role of James Parker who is a patient, living with chronic back pain, and uses pain medication to alleviate the pain, but it does not always works and at times Mr. Parker feels hopeless. In the first activity I decide for Mr. Parker to pick an 8 and explain the reason why. The physician’s response made Mr. Parker feel like the physician did not believe him because on his last visit he also said his pain was an 8 on the pain scale. The physician did not seem interested in Mr. Parker’s pain level; he automatically diagnosed the patient with depression, prescribing antidepressant, antianxiety and insomnia medication, along with the opioids. I asked for alternative option because he is taking more medications but nothing to treat the actual back pain. The physician did not take the patient’s pain serious, just brushed off Mr. Parker concern; he tells the patient the medications are his best option. The physician should of given the patient the respect to allow him to participate in his treatment, but did not provide alternative treatments that the patient was requesting because he was in a rush to see the following patient. When it came time for the patient to pick up his medication at the pharmacy, I decided for Mr. Parker to discuss his medication with the pharmacist. The pharmacist provides the patient with information, on frequency, how much to take and possible side effects, this alerted Mr. Parker into reconsidering if he should take all his medications. At the visit with the other physician, Mr. Parker asked the nurse why is the urine test necessary. If the patient has any concerns they should always ask questions. The nurse explains the reason for lab work and urinalysis, she went into detail and described that it was routine, and made Mr. Parker feel comfortable. The communication between Mr. Parker and the nurse allows for a trusting relationship between them. Mr. Parker had a great experience with Dr. Bright, he provided so much information and wanted to help the patient find alternatives. The physician showed he cared and was concerned about his patient. When it came to prepare for the follow-up appointment, I think it is best from the patient to keep the pain log for the physician to see, and ask his wife to join. The wife can play an important role in supporting the patient through this journey and also be encouraging. Mr. Parker was not comfortable with taking the depression and anxiety medication that was prescribed by the previous provider, the best choice was for him to see a psychologist and discuss his issues first.

At the end of the simulation I felt I did a good job in making the decisions for the patient. I successfully helped Mr. Parker take ownership of his care and make a decision that would ultimately help him through one of the hardest nights of his life. I proactively engage the health care team and help James become informed and engaged in his care.

Paper For Above instruction

In the context of addressing opioid safety and management, patient-centered care plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal outcomes, especially for individuals living with chronic pain such as James Parker in this scenario. A comprehensive understanding of the pathways to safer opioid use involves recognizing the importance of effective communication, patient engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Effective communication is fundamental in the management of opioid therapy. As demonstrated by the case of Mr. Parker, communication gaps—such as the physician dismissing his pain concerns and not exploring non-opioid alternatives—can hinder the development of a shared decision-making process. Shared decision-making involves respecting patient preferences, providing clear information about treatment options, and encouraging questions. For instance, involving Mr. Parker in explaining his pain severity and exploring alternative therapies like physical therapy, psychosocial interventions, or non-opioid medications aligns with current best practices that prioritize safety and efficacy (Dowell, Haegerich, & Chou, 2019).

Moreover, involving pharmacists in the care process enhances medication safety by ensuring patients understand proper administration, side effects, and potential risks associated with polypharmacy. Pharmacists serve as accessible health care providers who can identify drug interactions, reinforce adherence, and facilitate discussions about deprescribing when appropriate (Mazer-Amirshahi et al., 2020). In Mr. Parker's case, the pharmacist's role in counseling fostered awareness and prompted him to reconsider the full scope of his medication regimen.

Patient engagement extends beyond communication to involve education and active participation in treatment planning. Keeping a pain log, as suggested, allows for objective documentation of pain episodes and medication effects, enabling more informed clinical decisions. Additionally, family involvement, such as encouraging Mr. Parker’s wife to participate in follow-up consultations, provides emotional support and aids in monitoring real-world effects of therapies (Baird et al., 2020). This holistic approach aligns with patient-centered models that respect individual values and promote shared responsibility.

Addressing mental health concerns, especially in patients prescribed opioids, is critical for comprehensive pain management. Mr. Parker’s reluctance to accept depression and anxiety medications highlights the need for alternative strategies. Referring patients to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, ensures that underlying issues are addressed without solely relying on pharmacological interventions, thus reducing risks associated with polypharmacy and adverse effects (Busse et al., 2018). Early screening for mental health problems can also facilitate timely interventions, which are essential given the bidirectional relationship between chronic pain and mental health conditions.

From a systemic perspective, adopting principles of safer opioid use involves guidelines that emphasize tapering and discontinuing opioids when risks outweigh benefits (Dowell et al., 2019). Regular monitoring through urine drug testing and other assessments assists in detecting misuse and ensuring compliance. As demonstrated, routine urinalysis helped Mr. Parker understand its purpose, which enhances trust and adherence. Implementing multidisciplinary teams—comprising physicians, pharmacists, nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists—facilitates comprehensive care tailored to individual needs and minimizes risks associated with opioid therapy (Lembke, 2018).

In conclusion, pathways to safer opioid use are grounded in patient-centered care, effective communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive monitoring. Empowering patients like Mr. Parker through education, involving family members, and addressing mental health concerns can significantly improve safety and treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must foster a collaborative environment that respects patient preferences and encourages shared decision-making to navigate the complexities of opioid management safely.

References

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