The Need for Take-Home Naloxone: 

The Opioid Public Health Crisis 

Australia is currently facing a significant opioid crisis, marked by a steady rise in opioid-related deaths, hospitalisations, and dependence. In this webinar, the presenter will explore the critical educational role of nurses, particularly those working in primary healthcare, emergency departments, addiction clinics, and community health settings, as they face the challenge of managing increasing opioid overdoses.
CPD HOURS: 0.5
 Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

Australia is currently facing a significant opioid crisis, marked by a steady rise in opioid-related deaths, hospitalisations, and dependence. In this webinar, the presenter will explore the critical educational role of nurses, particularly those working in primary healthcare, emergency departments, addiction clinics, and community health settings, as they face the challenge of managing increasing opioid overdoses.

Nurses are uniquely positioned to educate patients and their families on how to access and administer naloxone, a life-saving medication used in the event of an opioid overdose. Their direct and ongoing contact with at-risk populations makes them essential advocates for overdose prevention. Nurses have a role of improving patient safety and preventing fatalities. With many overdoses occurring in private or home settings, timely naloxone use can mean the difference between life and death. Nurses can significantly reduce the risk of fatal overdoses by ensuring patients and caregivers are informed and prepared to respond.

This is a proactive management plan, supported by well-researched evidence demonstrating the benefits of the program. Its focus is on harm reduction oriented care. Nurses who are well-informed about naloxone can proactively integrate it into comprehensive care plans, especially for individuals with opioid dependence or those prescribed opioids for pain. Their role in harm reduction programs allows them to promote safer opioid use and prevent crisis situations before they occur.

In light of Australia’s ongoing opioid crisis, nurses’ knowledge and involvement in take-home naloxone programs are vital. They are front-line healthcare providers who can drive change in overdose prevention, enhance patient outcomes, and contribute to national harm reduction strategies.

In case you need help with why this session may be relevant to your work

In light of Australia’s ongoing opioid crisis, nurses’ knowledge and involvement in take-home naloxone programs are vital. They are front-line healthcare providers who can drive change in overdose prevention, enhance patient outcomes, and contribute to national harm reduction strategies through patient education and support.

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Explain how the Opioid crisis in Australia has become a public health issue
  • Explain the mode of action or effects of opioids on the body
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ‘Take-Home Naloxone’ program in Australia
  • Discuss the role of the nurse relating to the education of those who take opioids

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Anne Evans-Murray

R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.