186946 - Fundamentals Training in Opioid Treatment

The Fundamentals Training in Opioid Treatment course is an online introductory short course to develop knowledge around the operation of the NSW Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), and to support the safe prescribing of opioid pharmacotherapies.

This course can also contribute to medical practitioners receiving accreditation as an prescriber of opioid pharmacotherapies with the NSW Ministry of Health.

Relevance to General Practice

Opioid dependence has become a major focus within Australia. Over the past two decades there has been an increase in use of pharmaceutical (prescription and over-the-counter) opioids for medical conditions, particularly chronic pain. As a consequence, an increasing number of patients have developed pharmaceutical opioid dependence.

As opioid dependence is a chronic condition, GPs are ideally positioned to deliver interventions, as well as provide continuity of care and coordinate services across multiple health providers.

Learning outcomes

Effectively manage opioid dependence through available treatments in line with the NSW Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).

Incorporate knowledge around treatment to safely commence & maintain buprenorphine, and maintain established methadone treatment for opioid dependent patients.

Regularly manage and review of patients throughout treatment, including referral to services and specialists when required.

Manage planned withdrawal of a patient from opioid treatment and link to ongoing treatment.

Implement the legal and administrative requirements for the use of methadone and buprenorphine pharmacotherapies in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Domains of General Practice

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

Effective communication is used in challenging situations

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

The conduct of the consultation is appropriate to the needs of the patient and the sociocultural context

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

The health needs of individuals are balanced with the health needs of the community through effective utilisation of resources

D4. Professional and ethical role

Adherence to relevant codes and standards of ethical and professional behaviour

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

Patient confidentiality is managed appropriately

Curriculum Contextual Units

Adult health
Addiction medicine

Partnering organisations

NSW Ministry of Health; New South Wales Users and AIDS Association (NUAA)

Activity sponsor

NSW Ministry of Health