DO Affiliates Attend White House Meeting

(January 2016) The American Osteopathic Assiciation (AOA) participated in the White House Opioids Working Group Roundtable, January 21, to discuss the ongoing work of stakeholders and the progress of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Opioid Initiative.

The roundtable was well attended by physician groups, nursing groups, and other partners in the effort to curb the nation’s opioid epidemic. AOA  and five specialty affiliates participated, including the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP), American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM), American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), and American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI).

Stakeholders shared examples of ongoing initiatives to reduce opioid misuse as well as each stakeholder's progress in offering provider education. Barriers and challenges in meeting the shared goals of the initiative were identified. Concerns were also raised about how patient satisfaction measures have contributed to the opioid epidemic and why metrics should be carefully examined in this regard.

The osteopathic organizations noted their Review and comments on the CDC draft opioid prescribing guidelines, educational efforts such as planned CME modules at the upcoming Annual ACOFP Convention in April, and development of provider awareness initiatives to better engage members.

Additionally, AOA reinforced the osteopathic approach to care and the incorporation of non-pharmacologic treatment as a fundamental part of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic family physicians have a unique and powerful voice to shape this ongoing effort, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for our patients and their families. ACOFP will keep members up to date as this critical work continues.