Analgesic Stewardship: Opioids

Opioids are effectively used to manage chronic or severe pain, however, the use of opioids requires careful oversight due to the risks of dependence, overdose and adverse side effects. Are you confident in your ability to manage pain effectively while minimising these risks?

This Ausmed Course provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based knowledge and strategies for the safe and appropriate use of opioids in pain management. Through a focus on opioid stewardship, the course will help ensure effective care, improve patient safety and address the complexities of opioid therapy to optimise outcomes.

This is the second of two courses in the Analgesic Stewardship series. Check out the first course in the series, Analgesic Stewardship: Non-Opioids and Adjunct Therapies here.

In 2021, Australia experienced 1,788 drug-induced deaths, averaging 5 per day and representing 1.0% of all deaths. Opioids in particular, including heroin and pharmaceutical opioids, were involved in 58% of these cases. Since 2002, the rate of drug-induced deaths has increased by 3.5% annually, highlighting an ongoing public health challenge.

Despite high opioid prescribing rates, less than 5% of Australian hospitals have formal management programs for these medications. The implementation of stewardship programs seeks to address this gap by improving governance, policy, education, and monitoring practices related to analgesic use.