Educating and Raising Awareness of Opioid Addiction

Author

Nhan P. CaoFollow

Date Completed

Winter 3-10-2016

Document Type

Masters Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Abstract

Opioid Addiction is an epidemic in America. The information report found that there are thousands of deaths and emergency visits due to opioids-related each year. Emergency Department [ED] visits and physician services cost millions of tax payers’ money. The cost of health care in 2006 was 2.6 trillion dollars and expected to increase every year. Many individuals who misuse opioids oftentimes seek heroin because it is cheaper and easier to get on the street. Four out of five people who are addicted to heroin have used opioids first. Many patients are not aware of the risks and benefits of using opioids for severe pain. The intervention focuses on educating and raising awareness of opioid addiction. It is a whiteboard video that MultiCare physicians can introduce to the patients before prescribing their opioid medication. Patients with acute pain will be tested for their knowledge by taking the client assessment survey every month.

Comments

For questions regarding this capstone, please email nhancao@uw.edu.

Recommended Citation

Cao, Nhan P., "Educating and Raising Awareness of Opioid Addiction" (2016). MSW Capstones. 19.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/msw_capstones/19