SHD & PSD: The use of opioids and cannabis in older adults to manage pain

Overview

A review of recent evidence on the use of opioids and cannabis in older adults will be presented. A recent report titled “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Addressing the Invisible and Older Faces of Canada’s Opioid Crisis” highlights several issues of concern of opioid use in our own population. 

Recent evidence on cannabis use also identifies potential concerns (for example driving) and is also summarized. Implications for assessment and treatment of older adults using these medications are considered.

Instructor Biography

Pasqualina Santaguida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health research methods, evidence and impact (HEI) at McMaster University. She is currently a health research methodologist with the Program for Evidence-based Care (PEBC) within the department of Oncology. She was a past knowledge translation representative within the Seniors Health Division. She has contributed to research in evidence syntheses and has a passion for helping clinicians understand the most important information from new evidence.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Learn about the national report titled “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Addressing the Invisible and Older Faces of Canada’s Opioid Crisis” 
2. Identify issues of concern regarding the use of opioid and cannabis in the older population 
3. Consider the implications for pain assessment and treatment for physiotherapy practice

Cost