Opioids and our Patients: What an Athletic Trainer Needs to Know

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Abstract:
Athletic trainers work with patients who frequently are involved in activities that can result in injury and pain which may lead to being prescribed opioids. Assisting and helping our patients manage associated pain and management of opioids is critical to the healthcare provider when considering the well-being of our patients. Case studies and scenarios will be provided to illustrate the role athletic trainers play as a health care provider while looking at current and best practices of prescribing opioids and how to apply the lifesaving drug naloxone.

Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to recognize signs and symptoms of opioid misuse and abuse in an active population., 
  • Participants will be able to summarize physician current and best practices of prescribing opioids., 
  • Participants will be able to identify the role of an athletic trainer in managing opioid use in an active population., 
  • Participants will be able to organize and develop an assessment strategy for identifying potential opioid abuse., 
  • Participants will be able to apply lifesaving drug Naloxone.

Level:
Essential

Domains:
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords: opioid, overdose, naloxone, Narcan, addiction, drug use, drug abuse, mental health

On-Demand (Enhanced Access) Course Expiration:
Courses registered for after February 5, 2025, must be completed by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Dana Bates, PhD, ATC

Dana Bates is an Associate Professor of Athletic Training at Pacific University.

Bates is the coordinator of clinical education in the master of science in athletic training program, where she teaches physical agents, administration in athletic training settings, and orthopedic evaluation. 

Her research interest includes pedagogical practices in athletic training, opioids and athletes, and critical thinking.

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