Bloomberg American Health Initiative

The American Health Podcast

Bloomberg American Health Initiative

  • Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: JR Westerberg

Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: JR Westerberg

Thursday 8th April 2021

JR Westberg discusses his research on opioid use post-trauma, highlighting patient education and comprehensive prescribing plans on 'The American Health Podcast'.
20 minutes
Informative
Educational
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Motivational

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The American Health Podcast
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Bloomberg American Health Initiative
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Policy & Advocacy
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Reducing Opioid Dependence: JR Westberg's Approach to Pain Management

We're always going to be reaching in the dark on how to control pain. And JR, I appreciate your time and really greatly appreciate you.
Pain is an inevitable part of trauma, but how we manage it can make all the difference. In this episode of 'The American Health Podcast', JR Westberg from the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute dives into his groundbreaking research on opioid use post-trauma. Working at one of Minnesota's oldest non-profit hospitals, JR and his team have been pioneering ways to cut down opioid refills while still improving pain scores for patients. How did they achieve this?
Through better patient education and comprehensive opioid prescribing plans. JR explains the often overlooked concept of 'pain catastrophizing'—where patients expect to be completely pain-free—and why it's crucial to set realistic expectations. He also touches on the importance of objective pain measures in crafting effective treatment plans. If you're keen on understanding the complexities of pain management and public health, this episode offers valuable insights straight from the frontlines.
Tune in to hear how JR's work is reshaping our approach to opioids and trauma care.