Manage episode 518700769 series 2931422
Opioids remain a cornerstone of palliative care for patients with serious illnesses like cancer, yet their use is often misunderstood, undertreated, or approached with unnecessary hesitation. This episode explores what pharmacists need to know about assessing opioid appropriateness, questioning therapy when warranted, and supporting comfort-focused care within established clinical and ethical standards. Tune in to build confidence in your role and contribute meaningfully to the care of patients facing serious illness.
HOST
Joshua Davis Kinsey, PharmD
VP, Education
CEimpact
GUEST
Lorin Fisher, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
Joshua Davis Kinsey and Lorin Fisher have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
CPE REDEMPTION
This course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation:
- If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit.
- To purchase this episode and claim your CPE credit, click here.
CPE INFORMATION
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:
1. Identify the role of opioids in managing pain and other symptoms for patients receiving palliative care.
2. Describe key considerations for evaluating opioid prescriptions in the context of serious illness, including appropriate use and safety concerns.
0.05 CEU/0.5 Hr
UAN: 0107-0000-25-330-H01-P
Initial release date: 11/10/2025
Expiration date: 11/10/2026
Additional CPE details can be found here.
Chapters
1. Setting The Stage: Palliative Opioids (00:00:00)
2. Guest Intro And Practice Context (00:03:30)
3. Goals Of Opioids In Serious Illness (00:06:40)
4. CDC Exemptions And Why They Matter (00:10:20)
5. Palliative Care Versus Hospice Clarified (00:15:30)
6. Risk–Benefit And First‑Line Choices (00:19:40)
7. Stigma, Fear, And Clear Language (00:24:10)
8. Defining Addiction, Tolerance, Dependence (00:29:10)
9. Functional Pain Goals Over Zero Pain (00:33:00)
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