The first part of our training series for frontline healthcare workers delves into the critical issue of stigma and bias within the treatment of birthing patients with substance use disorders.

The second part of our training series for frontline healthcare workers explores the principles of harm reduction and the potential to save lives by prioritizing safety and well-being over judgement. Through expert insights we learn how providing naloxone and other harm reduction strategies can foster trust between healthcare providers and birthing persons struggling with substance use, leading to more effective interventions and support.

The third part of our training series for frontline healthcare workers explores the world of evidence-based medication treatment for substance use disorders during the perinatal period. We navigate the complexities of utilizing medications to aid in recovery and explore the diverse options available, while highlighting important clinical pearls. By equipping healthcare workers with the latest insights, we empower them to play a pivotal role in supporting birthing persons on their path to recovery.

The fourth part of our training series for frontline healthcare workers focuses on the compassionate medical care of perinatal persons with substance use disorders. Our subject matter expert addresses the unique challenges and health implications these individuals face and brings a heightened understanding to some of the psychological and physiological barriers of these disorders. We offer valuable insights, evidence-based strategies and demonstrate how healthcare professionals can play a pivotal role in fostering healthy outcomes for the substance exposed dyad, through informed and empathetic care.

Navigating the landscape of notifications and reports to child welfare can be challenging. This video equips social workers and mandated reporters to better understand when a report is warranted by clarifying reporting duties, demystifying what happens after a report is made and exploring recent legislation changes in an effort to improve collaboration between healthcare workers and child welfare.

In reviewing the 2023 Illuminate SuPPoRT Colorado guidelines on Indications for Toxicology Testing in Colorado Birthing Facilities, the distinction between screening and toxicology testing is emphasized. Dr. Gold offers evidence-based recommendations for determining when toxicology testing is warranted and discusses the importance of establishing safe feeding plans as part of perinatal substance use prevention, recovery, and treatment efforts.

Toxicology testing has many limitations and complexities, often due to differences in methodologies and protocols between organizations. Challenges are common, such as delayed results, presence of false positives and false negatives and inconsistencies in accurate interpretation. Understanding of the differences between screening and toxicology testing is essential, as is the development of standardized approaches, considering the implications of toxicology testing on patients and families.

This video explores the complex interplay between CAPTA laws, mandatory reporting, and perinatal substance use. It delves into the potential negative consequences of incarceration, overuse of drug testing, and family separation. The video highlights the limitations of urine toxicology testing and the importance of addressing racial inequities in the system. Viewers will learn about the reasons healthcare providers may report patients out of fear and the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of removing children from substance-exposed environments. The video advocates for a more compassionate and supportive approach, emphasizing the need for therapeutic alliances, trust, and clinical empathy. Clinicians will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by perinatal individuals with substance use disorders and the importance of advocating for policy changes to improve outcomes.

By shedding light on the intersection of substance use and pregnancy, we aspire to replace judgment with empathy, ensuring that every individual receives the care, understanding, and respect they deserve on their journey towards recovery and parenthood.

By emphasizing that unwarranted reports to child welfare can cause unnecessary stress and strain on families, we seek to rebuild trust in healthcare relationships and provide compassionate care for perinatal patients with SUDs. This video provides education that in Colorado not all substance use requires reporting; only when a child is directly affected and threatened by the substance use, is it necessary to make a report.

This video equips healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for supporting infants affected by Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome/ Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NOWS/NAS). The video highlights the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) approach, emphasizing non-pharmacologic care techniques that promote family involvement, reduce NICU stays, and improve outcomes for newborns with substance exposure.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of perinatal alcohol use, including the prevalence and risks. The video also explores the role of screening and evidence-based withdrawal management and long-term treatment options for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of perinatal stimulant use, including the prevalence and risks associated with these substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines. The video also explores the role of screening and early intervention in identifying pregnant individuals at risk for stimulant use and connecting them with appropriate resources. Clinicians will learn about evidence-based withdrawal management strategies for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with stimulant dependence, as well as long-term treatment options to support sustained recovery.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of perinatal nicotine use, including the prevalence and risks associated with cigarette smoking, vaping and use of other nicotine products. The video also explores the role of screening and early intervention in identifying pregnant individuals using nicotine and connecting them with appropriate resources. Clinicians will learn about evidence-based smoking cessation strategies for pregnant and postpartum individuals, including the use of medication and behavioral interventions. The video also addresses the challenges of nicotine addiction and the importance of long-term support to maintain abstinence.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of perinatal cannabis use, including the prevalence and evolving understanding of its risks. The video also explores the role of screening and early intervention in identifying pregnant individuals using cannabis and connecting them with appropriate resources. Clinicians will learn about the challenges of assessing the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure and the importance of individualized care planning. The video also addresses the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis use during pregnancy and postpartum, considering the evolving evidence base.

For perinatal patients in Louisiana, overdose is the leading cause of death. People who use drugs often avoid accessing medical care due in large part to the stigma discrimination they face in healthcare settings.

Addiction and substance use affect many pregnancies. Shame, fear of judgement, legal concerns, and unease about child welfare involvement keep many from seeking prenatal care or discussing substance use with medical providers.

Overdose is the leading cause of death among perinatal patients. Treatment for substance use disorders is evidence-based, highly effective, and lacking in most communities.

Patient-facing educational video preparing perioperative patients to manage pain associated with their surgery and recovery.

Risks, Benefits, Safe Storage & Disposal

Patient-facing educational video preparing perioperative patients to manage pain associated with their surgery, and better understand the role of opioids.

Patient-facing educational video created to help patients prepare for elective surgery by optimizing their health with diet, movement, smoking cessation, rest and other beneficial changes.

Patient-facing educational video created to help patients manage pain after surgery, by understanding the role of over-the-counter and prescription analgesics.

Patient-facing educational video helping postoperative patients with non-pharmacologic strategies to relieve pain and promote healing, focusing on patients participation in their own recovery.

Provider-facing educational video on how to effectively manage perioperative pain and combat the opioid crisis by mastering opioid stewardship, multimodal analgesia, and comprehensive patient care from assessment to post-discharge.

Provider-facing educational video on preoperative care, focusing on comprehensive assessments and tailoring strategies for diverse patient needs. Learn how to optimize pain control, minimize opioid reliance, and address special considerations to ensure a smoother, less painful surgical journey and recovery.

Provider-facing educational video that explores how different classes of medications work together to optimize pain relief while minimizing side effects, understanding their mechanisms and how to strategically combine them for superior patient outcomes. Part 1.

Provider-facing educational video that explores how different classes of medications work together to optimize pain relief while minimizing side effects, understanding their mechanisms and how to strategically combine them for superior patient outcomes. Part 2.

Provider-facing educational video that explores how specific nerve blocks and neuraxial techniques can revolutionize perioperative pain management. Discover the diverse applications of regional anesthesia, its opioid-sparing benefits, and how it seamlessly integrates into a comprehensive multimodal approach for enhanced patient comfort and faster recovery.

Provider-facing educational video that equips viewers with the latest techniques to manage acute postoperative pain and prevent the development of chronic pain conditions. Learn how to create personalized plans, integrate multimodal approaches, and improve long-term patient well-being.

This educational video focuses on mitigating the legal and practice risks associated with opioid and controlled substance prescribing. This session will delve into the potential legal ramifications of liberal prescribing practices, including criminal, malpractice, medical board actions, and program exclusion. The lecture will also address the risks associated with abrupt opioid discontinuation and, crucially, introduce practical recommendations that physicians can immediately implement to enhance patient safety and minimize their medical-legal risk.

This educational video explores the historical context of opioid use in medicine, outlining their evolution and applications.  Participants will learn about the legitimate benefits and appropriate indications for opioid therapy, including the nuances between different opioid agents and guidance on selecting the optimal choice for specific patient needs. 

This educational video explores a comprehensive approach to pain management beyond opioids. This session will begin by establishing a foundation in pain physiology, enabling participants to effectively identify different pain types. The lecture will then introduce the multimodal pain philosophy, emphasizing a holistic approach to pain management. Participants will learn about the evidence supporting various non-pharmacologic pain control methods and explore the evidence-based use of common non-opioid pharmacological medications.

This educational video delves into the complex interplay between pain, psychology, and social factors. This session will clarify the distinctions between nociception, pain, and suffering, emphasizing their unique characteristics within the pain experience. Participants will gain an understanding of how psychological and social factors contribute to chronic pain, exploring the multifaceted nature of persistent pain.

This educational video focuses on the practical aspects of managing chronic pain, particularly with opioid therapy. This session will guide participants in identifying appropriate candidates for chronic opioid therapy initiation and provide strategies for effectively discussing expectations with these patients. The lecture will cover the implementation of appropriate monitoring techniques for chronic opioid therapy, including methods to minimize side effects and adverse outcomes.

This educational video provides a practical guide to safely and effectively tapering patients off opioids and benzodiazepines. This session will focus on patient selection for tapering, including identifying those at high risk for serious adverse outcomes and those most likely to benefit from this process. Participants will learn effective strategies for introducing the concept of tapering to patients, ensuring clear communication and patient buy-in.

Educational video that focuses on the practical aspects of identifying and treating OUD in primary care settings. This session will cover effective screening methods for OUD within primary care practices. Participants will learn about the benefits of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and how buprenorphine can be successfully integrated into their practice. The lecture will also discuss essential harm reduction strategies, including the appropriate use and distribution of naloxone.

Educational video that provides a practical, case-based approach to managing OUD in primary care. This session will review key treatment considerations when prescribing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Participants will have the opportunity to create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans for several patient case studies, applying the knowledge gained throughout the program. The lecture will address the complexities of managing patients with co-existing chronic pain and OUD, offering strategies for integrated care.