Our Comprehensive Protocols To Protect Patients From The Fentanyl Epidemic
The opioid epidemic, including the use of fentanyl, is a serious public health concern. A comprehensive protocol to protect opioid patients from the dangers of fentanyl include the following steps:
- Screening and assessment: Patients should undergo screening and assessment to determine their risk for opioid use disorder and potential exposure to fentanyl.
- Education: Patients should be educated about the dangers of fentanyl and how to reduce their risk of exposure, including the dangers of using street drugs, the importance of using only prescribed medications, and the need to safely store and dispose of medications.
- Naloxone prescription: Patients at high risk for overdose should be prescribed naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and trained on its proper use.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Patients should receive regular monitoring and follow-up, including urine drug testing, to ensure they are staying on track with their treatment plan and to identify any potential issues with their medication regimen.
- Referral to addiction treatment: Patients with opioid use disorder should be referred to comprehensive addiction treatment, which can include individual and group therapy, support groups, and other evidence-based interventions.
- Collaboration with community organizations: Healthcare providers should collaborate with community organizations, such as harm reduction groups and drug treatment facilities, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients.
SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT
A screening and assessment for patients recovering from fentanyl or opioids typically includes the following steps:
- Medical and substance use history: A healthcare provider will take a thorough medical, and substance use history, including information about the patient’s previous and current substance use, any prior treatment for addiction, and any previous overdoses or other adverse events related to drug use.
- Physical examination: A physical examination will be performed to assess the patient’s overall health and to look for any signs of opioid or fentanyl use, such as track marks or injection sites.
- Psychosocial assessment: A psychosocial assessment will be performed to evaluate the patient’s mental and emotional well-being, social support system, and overall functioning.
- Substance use disorder evaluation: The healthcare provider will use a standardized tool, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) opioid overdose screening tool or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to assess the patient’s level of opioid or fentanyl use and to determine if they have an opioid use disorder.
- Risk assessment: The healthcare provider will assess the patient’s risk for overdose, including factors such as the type and dose of drugs used, the patient’s tolerance, and any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.
- Treatment planning: Based on the results of the screening and assessment, the healthcare provider will develop an individualized treatment plan for the patient, which may include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, or referral to addiction treatment.
The goal of the screening and assessment is to gather comprehensive information about the patient and to use this information to develop an effective and individualized treatment plan to support their recovery from fentanyl or opioid use.
EDUCATION
There are several steps that patients can take to educate themselves to reduce their exposure to opioids or fentanyl and avoid addiction:
- Avoid street drugs: Street drugs, such as heroin, can be contaminated with fentanyl, which can lead to overdose and death. Patients should avoid using street drugs and instead seek treatment for substance use disorder if they need help quitting.
- Get involved in addiction treatment: Patients who are struggling with opioid or fentanyl use should seek help from a healthcare provider and consider getting involved in addiction treatment, which can include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support from peer groups. There are several steps that patients can take to reduce their exposure to opioids or fentanyl and avoid addiction:
- Only use prescribed medications: If a healthcare provider has prescribed an opioid medication for pain management, it is important for patients to take the medication only as directed and to not take more than the prescribed dose.
- Be cautious about using opioids for a long period of time: Long-term use of opioids can increase the risk of developing an opioid use disorder, so patients should discuss their options for pain management with their healthcare provider and consider alternative treatments when possible.
- Store medications safely: Patients should store their medications in a secure place, out of reach of others, to prevent accidental misuse or theft.
- Dispose of unused medications properly: Patients should dispose of any unused medications, including opioids, in a safe and responsible manner, such as by using a medication take-back program.
By taking these steps, patients can reduce their exposure to opioids or fentanyl and reduce their risk of developing an opioid use disorder. It is important for patients to seek support from their healthcare provider and to be proactive about their own health and well-being.
NALOXONE PRESCRIPTION
If a healthcare provider has prescribed naloxone for a patient, there are several important things the patient should know:
- What is naloxone: Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It works by quickly binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, which can stop the effects of the opioid and prevent overdose.
- How to use naloxone: Naloxone is available in several forms, including as an injectable medication and as a nasal spray. A patient who is overdosing most times cannot administer Naloxone to themself. Training those who live with you to administer it, is a critical step for survival. The specific instructions for how to use naloxone will depend on the form prescribed, so it is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
- When to use naloxone: Patients should use naloxone if they or someone they know is experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose, such as slow or shallow breathing, blue or purple lips or nails, and extreme sleepiness or unconsciousness.
- The importance of calling 911: After administering naloxone, it is important to call 911 immediately, as the effects of the opioid may return after a short period of time and additional doses of naloxone may be necessary.
- The need for follow-up care: Even if the naloxone has reversed the overdose, it is important for patients to seek follow-up care, such as going to the emergency department or scheduling an appointment with their healthcare provider, as continued medical attention may be necessary.
- Refilling the prescription: Naloxone has a short shelf life and should be stored at room temperature. Patients should refill their prescription before it runs out and should discuss any concerns about cost or access with their healthcare provider.
By understanding the important information about naloxone, patients can be better prepared to use this medication in the event of an opioid overdose and to seek the necessary follow-up care to support their recovery.
MONITORING AND FOLLOW-UP
It is important for patients to have their doctor monitor them and to follow-up for several reasons:
- Monitoring medication use: Healthcare providers can monitor patients’ use of opioids or other medications, including naloxone, to ensure that the medications are being used safely and effectively. This can help to prevent medication misuse, overdose, and addiction.
- Detecting signs of addiction: Healthcare providers are trained to recognize the signs of addiction and can help patients to identify and address any potential issues with substance use.
- Evaluating treatment progress: Healthcare providers can evaluate a patient’s progress in treatment and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan. This can help to ensure that patients are receiving the most effective care possible.
- Providing support: Healthcare providers can provide patients with emotional and practical support, such as connecting them with support groups or referral to addiction treatment.
- Monitoring for side effects: Healthcare providers can monitor patients for any side effects or complications related to their medication use and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
A typical follow-up visit with a healthcare provider may involve a discussion of the patient’s current symptoms and medication use, a physical examination, and any necessary laboratory tests or imaging studies. The healthcare provider may also review the patient’s treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments. It is important for patients to be open and honest with their healthcare provider about their symptoms, medication use, and any concerns they may have, in order to receive the best possible care.
REFERRAL TO ADDICTION TREATMENT
Patients with opioid or fentanyl addiction should be referred to comprehensive addiction treatment because this is the most effective way to help them overcome their addiction and achieve sustained recovery. Comprehensive addiction treatment typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. This can include:
- Medically assisted detoxification: This is the process of safely withdrawing from the drug under medical supervision.
- Behavioral therapy: This can include individual, group, or family therapy, and helps patients understand the underlying psychological and emotional factors that contribute to their addiction and develop coping skills to avoid relapse.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This involves the use of medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, which can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of overdose.
- Aftercare and recovery support: This includes ongoing support and resources, such as 12-step programs, peer support groups, and continuing care planning, to help patients maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.
The goal of comprehensive addiction treatment is to help patients achieve sustained recovery, improve their overall health and well-being, and regain control of their lives. By addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, patients are better equipped to overcome their addiction and build a foundation for a successful and fulfilling life in recovery.
COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Healthcare providers working with patients addicted to opioids and fentanyl should collaborate with community organizations for several reasons, including:
- Increased access to resources: Community organizations often have a wealth of resources and services available for individuals struggling with addiction, such as housing, employment, and educational opportunities, that can help support their recovery and improve their overall quality of life.
- Improved care coordination: Collaborating with community organizations can help healthcare providers coordinate care for their patients, ensuring that they receive the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible.
- Increased community support: Community organizations can help to engage families and communities in the recovery process, providing patients with a supportive network that can help them overcome addiction and prevent relapse.
- Addressing social determinants of health: Community organizations can help address the root causes of addiction, such as poverty, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare, by providing resources and services that can improve patients’ overall health and well-being.
Collaborating with community organizations allows healthcare providers to better meet the needs of their patients with opioid or fentanyl addiction and improve their chances of achieving sustained recovery. This type of collaboration can also help to address the larger social and economic factors that contribute to the opioid epidemic, leading to more effective solutions and better outcomes for individuals and communities.
By implementing a comprehensive protocol that includes these steps, healthcare providers can help protect opioid patients from the dangers of fentanyl and support their recovery from opioid use disorder.