CDC Launches Opioid Prescribing Guideline Resources for Providers

Dec 16, 2016 - 05:24 AM

This week, the CDC launched a suite of new opioid prescribing guideline resources for providers, including a mobile app and video series. This is a follow-up to their CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, launched last spring, to encourage safer and more effective pain management. 

According to the CDC, “The new Opioid Guide App makes it easier to apply the recommendations in the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain into clinical practice by putting the entire guideline, tools and resources in the palm of your hand.” 

The free mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices, features:

  • A Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) Calculator
  • Prescribing Guidance
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) feature to practice effective communication skills

In addition to the app, CDC has developed a video series to help improve understanding about prescription opioids to encourage communication between clinicians and patients. An example of the videos, Even When Prescribed by a Doctor, raises general awareness about opioids and can be shared on social media or used in training sessions or presentations. 

The data suggests there is more work to do, and we stand with our partners and stakeholders to deliver impact. For more information on how the AHA is addressing the opioid abuse crisis, visit: aha.org/behavioralhealth/opioids. To access CDC’s tools and resources, visit: cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/resources.html.