Pain Matters Podcast Network

Reducing Harm For Patients in the Midst of a Pandemic-Fueled Opioid Crisis

May 12, 2022 AAPM Season 1 Episode 9
Reducing Harm For Patients in the Midst of a Pandemic-Fueled Opioid Crisis
Pain Matters Podcast Network
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Pain Matters Podcast Network
Reducing Harm For Patients in the Midst of a Pandemic-Fueled Opioid Crisis
May 12, 2022 Season 1 Episode 9
AAPM

Beginning in 2020, we saw an exponential growth of opioid overdose deaths throughout the nation alongside an increase in the isolation of at-risk individuals, economic instability, impeded access to care, a shortage of PPE, and self-medication for high-stress levels. Though some of the risk factors have declined as the global pandemic response has progressed, it’s no surprise that pain medicine innovators continue to face a steep challenge.

In this episode, host Shravani Durbhakula, MD, is joined by Josh Sharfstein, MD, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and former Deputy Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration to discuss current approaches to pain medication addiction and the room for innovation in the fight against overdose deaths.


Show Notes

Beginning in 2020, we saw an exponential growth of opioid overdose deaths throughout the nation alongside an increase in the isolation of at-risk individuals, economic instability, impeded access to care, a shortage of PPE, and self-medication for high-stress levels. Though some of the risk factors have declined as the global pandemic response has progressed, it’s no surprise that pain medicine innovators continue to face a steep challenge.

In this episode, host Shravani Durbhakula, MD, is joined by Josh Sharfstein, MD, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and former Deputy Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration to discuss current approaches to pain medication addiction and the room for innovation in the fight against overdose deaths.