This continuing education (CE) activity is a video-recorded panel discussion, where the clinician-based moderator and panelists walk through practice-based scenarios that clinicians frequently encounter when interpreting Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) data before prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD). Among the panelists is a patient advocate, who brings real-world implications to the discussion and helps ensure the group's proposed strategies for addressing red flag warnings are realistic and patient-centered. The moderator and panelists each bring a distinct perspective, together spanning the full continuum of buprenorphine prescribing and dispensing. The activity also includes access to The Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PhARM-OUD) Guideline, an evidence-based resource that further elaborates on many of the key points discussed in the video.
Tyler Varisco, PharmD, PhD
PhARM Program, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Tyler Varisco is a registered pharmacist and trained health services researcher. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. His research focuses on evaluating and improving the quality of care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD). Dr. Varisco's work leverages diverse research methods to identify and address systemic barriers to treatment in provider offices and pharmacies. Dr. Varisco led a collaborative effort between the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the National Community Pharmacists Association and three colleges of pharmacy to create and disseminate the Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Practice Guideline, a consensus, evidence-based guidance to address clinical obstacles that limit access to medication for OUD in the community pharmacy setting. Dr. Varisco has a keen interest in identifying policy targets to promote equitable access to treatment for individuals living with substance use disorder or other behavioral health conditions. He currently serves as a subject matter expert for the revision of Treatment Improvement Protocol 63, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's guidance on medications for OUD. Much of his published research examines how policy changes affect patient and provider experiences with healthcare quality at the point of care for individuals in treatment and recovery.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter does not have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Panelists
Sara Young, LPC, LCDC
Psychotherapist, Patient Advocate, Person with Lived Experience
Sara Young, LPC, LCDC has worked with patients on MOUD over the last 15 years. She has worked as a case manager and counselor in residential treatment and as a therapist/program manager in community health office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) programs. She identifies as a person “on a recovery journey” and as a person with lived experience on MOUD, Her personal experience as a patient and patient advocate contribute to her passion for all facets of this work.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter does not have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Christi Geick, PharmD
Pharmacy Manager, H-E-B Pharmacy
Christi Geick received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 2012. She has managed an H-E-B Pharmacy in north Austin for 13 years, where she has mentored students and built trust with patients in the surrounding neighborhoods. She volunteers at Hope Medical Clinic, serving resettled refugees and others underserved in the Austin community.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter does not have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Eugene Brooks Keener, MD
Chief Resident, Ascension Seton/Dell Medical School
Brooks Keener is currently one of the Internal Medicine chief residents at Dell Medical School. He grew up in North Carolina, completed medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before coming to Austin for his internal medicine residency training at Dell Medical School. In his role as chief resident, he has been working to improved resident education in addiction medicine, and he is planning to pursue a career in primary care and addiction medicine.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter does not have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
