During this talk, we will discuss opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) and its risk factors. We will use the context of a patient’s journey to illustrate how difficult it can be to identify at-risk patients. 

The session will additionally focus on potential technology-based solutions for combatting OIRD, such as continuous self-monitoring and alert systems. We will also examine how pharmacists can help identify patients at risk of OIRD, and hence potentially save their lives.

Learning outcomes:

• What is opioid-induced respiratory depression? 
• Who is at risk? 
• The benefits of continuously monitoring high-risk patients 
• Recent self-monitoring and alert system innovations 
• The role of pharmacies in helping identify potential OIRD patients