Opioids and Benzodiazepines: Safe Prescribing for Midwives

The course is divided into 16 Chapters, 9 Case Studies, Take-Home Resources and a Final Examination. The 16 chapters can be divided into 5 topics:

1. Prescribing principles & drug schedules (Chapters 2-3)
2. Pathophysiology & pain (Chapters 4-6)
3. Opioids (Chapters 7-12)
4. Benzodiazepines (Chapters 13-15)
5. Clinical applications (Chapters 16)

Thanks to the Midwifery CPD Consortium for subsidizing BC Midwives.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiology of acute pain
• Describe the use of the visual analogue and verbal rating pain scales to assess level of pain
• Describe the basic pharmacology of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines
• Describe the basic pharmacokinetics of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines
• List the adverse effects and drug interactions associated with opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines
• Discuss the issues of tolerance, dependence and addiction with opioids and benzodiazepines
• Assess and identify whether or not opioids and benzodiazepines may be suitable for the medical needs of the person
• Select and administer appropriate opioids when necessary for labour in hospital and for postpartum
• Monitor client for efficacy and toxicity of opioids or benzodiazepines including how to manage an overdose
• Explain the effects of opioids and benzodiazepines when taken during pregnancy and lactation
• Describe the effect these agents have on labour, as well as, on the fetus and neonate
• Outline the basic principles of prescribing and steps for rational prescribing
• Write a legal prescription with all of the required elements in a professional format
• Demonstrate adherence to ethical and legal standards of prescriptive practice