Stem the Tide: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

This toolkit prepared by the American Hospital Association outlines useful approaches that hospitals and health systems can use to address this public health crisis. The toolkit is updated regularly and provides guidance and resources on how to work with patients, clinicians, and communities. Information is categorized into eight topic areas, including: clinician education on prescribing practices; non-opioid pain management; addressing stigma; treatment options for opioid use disorders; patient, family and caregiver education; transitions of care; safeguarding against diversion; and collaborating with communities. The toolkit was developed by a multi-disciplinary team encompassing nursing, risk management, physician leadership, research, and the AHA’s Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services and Committee on Clinical Leadership.