AChAM Online Education Modules

 

AChAM Online Module Registration Form

The management of addiction is a challenging yet rewarding one for medical practitioners.

The AChAM with the support of NSW health has developed a suite of online education modules for healthcare professionals interested in improving their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of patients with drug and alcohol problems. These online modules will update healthcare professionals on the epidemiology and evidence base for current treatment approaches to addiction disorders.

The modules can be undertaken in multiple sittings at any time from your workplace or home via an internet connection.

The content for each module has been developed by a Module Working Group comprising experienced specialists in addiction medicine. Each working group developed a series of relevant clinical scenarios typical of problems in clinical practice and reviewed them to ensure consensus on proposed management.

• The modules are based on case studies with associated questions that participants have to answer. Model answers developed by the working group are then made available to the participant.
• The knowledge cases are supported by relevant readings, reference materials and online discussion forums.
• Passing a set of multiple choice questions signifies the successful completion of the module. A certificate of completion is then issued.

The modules assume a basic level of knowledge of drug and alcohol problems.. The Advanced Prescribers' Module requires the completion of the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) as a pre-requisite (www.pac.med.usyd.edu.au/).

The modules are recognised for continuing professional development by the RACP, RACGP*, ACCRM, and RANZCP*

* Some courses are currently awaiting accreditation.

There are no charges or fees for accessing the module due to the generous support of NSW Health and The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

	Alcohol Use Disorder Module This module addresses the epidemiology of alcohol use, the impact of alcohol use disorders, elements of pharmacology and genetics as they relate to alcohol use, as well as the health benefits of moderate alcohol use and treatment approaches for alcohol use disorders.
	Prescription Drug Misuse Module This module deals with the management of misuse of prescription drugs. You will study the epidemiology of prescription drug misuse, opioid pharmacology, the role of prescription drugs in the management of insomnia, and formulate a management plan for commonly occurring problems of prescription drug misuse.
	Advanced Prescribers’ Module This module deals with the problems associated with diversion and misuse of prescribed opioid medication. You will learn the pharmacology of both agonist and antagonist drugs, assess patients for suitability for take away doses of opioid substitution medications, and manage relapse.
	Opportunistic Intervention Module This module is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of medical practitioners with a basic understanding of addiction so that they may be able to provide opportunistic interventions for patients with alcohol or other drug problems.
	Alcohol Anxiety & Mood Disorder Module This module addresses the epidemiology of symptoms, and disorders of anxiety and mood, self harm and suicide in the context of alcohol use disorders. You will study the association between alcohol use disorders and comorbid anxiety and mood symptoms, as well as formulate a management plan for patients.
	Young People & Addiction Module In this module you will learn the epidemiology of substance use among young people, conduct a risk assessment for mental health and suicide risk, sexual health risk factors, drug and alcohol risks and understand ethical and legal issues relevant to working with adolescents.