1034-25: Compassion, Connection, and Creativity: Strategies for Improving Engagement and Retention in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment in Diverse Clinical Settings 

Explore ways to confront the opioid crisis with effective opioid withdrawal management, medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), and creative interventions focused on harm reduction, access, engagement and retention in care for complex populations in diverse clinical settings. Gain practical insights on treating OUD by reducing risks to improve patient outcomes.

Presenter:  Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  2 hours

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify three evidence-based pharmacological treatments for opioid use disorder and apply harm reduction strategies for high-risk populations.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• OUD is a chronic, relapsing disorder requiring engagement in treatment wherever the patient presents for care.
• Any person using substances is at risk for overdose – fentanyl is in everything.
• Buprenorphine products are a safe, evidence-based treatment for OUD with a fairly low risk profile.

Keywords:  Addiction, Recovery, Substance Use Recovery, Substance Use Disorders

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
2.0 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  December 4, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2027

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