Effective Use of Urine Drug Screening
- Credit Type
- AMA
- Credit Amount
- 0.5
- Release Date
- 07/01/2011
- Expiration Date
- 07/01/2012
- Activity Type
- Webcast
Activity Goal
This educational activity reviews the role of urine drug screening (UDS) in the management of patients receiving opioid pharmacotherapy for pain.
Intended Audience
Pain specialists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, neurologists, palliative care specialists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, allied health professionals, fellows, and residents.
Needs Assessment and Learner’s Gap
UDS should be considered for all patients who are receiving an opioid analgesic, particularly for those demonstrating aberrant behaviors or otherwise at risk for nonmedical opioid use.1,2 Before testing, clinicians should have a frank discussion with each patient that emphasizes the shared goal of optimal care, while avoiding any implication of distrust. A positive urine drug test for the prescribed opioid suggests adherence to treatment. Conversely, a negative test may prompt further evaluation for poor adherence, or for aberrant behaviors such as drug hoarding or diversion. However, a negative test may also reflect drug levels that fall below the test threshold, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of test results. When implemented appropriately, UDS can help clinicians gain a complete picture of the patient’s medication use.
References
- Heit HA, Gourlay DL. Urine drug testing in pain medicine. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2004;27(3):260-267.
- Reisfield GM, Salazar E, Bertholf RL. Rational use and interpretation of urine drug testing in chronic opioid therapy. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2007;37(4):301-314.
Learning Objectives
- Educate patients on the rationale for UDS.
- Utilize UDS for patients receiving opioid therapy.
- Interpret positive and negative results of UDS.
Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke’s & Roosevelt Hospitals, and Asante Communications, LLC. Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke’s & Roosevelt Hospitals are accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Faculty Disclosure
Randy M. Seewald, MD has reported that he does not have any financial relationships to disclose.
Credit Designation
Credit Designation designates this Internet point-of-care activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Method of Participation
There are no fees for participating in and receiving credit for this activity. Prior to viewing the webcasts, each participant must read the learning objectives and acknowledge receipt of the CME information. Additionally, each participant must also complete a prequestionnaire before beginning the activity. Upon completion of this prequestionnaire, the activity will commence. Once the final webcast is viewed, credit may be obtained by completing the posttest, program evaluation, and the attestation statement. Credit is available through July 1, 2012.
Copyright Information
As herein stated, the term "Continuum Affiliates" means Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Long Island College Hospital, and the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. Continuum Health Partners, Inc. is the parent company of each of the Continuum Affiliates.
Unless otherwise stated, the contents of this activity are copyrighted as a collective work under the laws of the United States and other copyright laws by Continuum Health Partners, Inc., all rights reserved. The collective work may include works that are the property of other authors and that are also protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any redistribution, retransmission, or publication of any copyrighted material is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Continuum Health Partners, Inc. and all other copyright owners.
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Faculty
