Cover 2 Resources
Cover 2 Resources
Ep. 209 - Can Mathematical Modeling Reduce the Death Toll from the Opioid Epidemic?
Ep. 209 - Can Mathematical Modeling Reduce the Death Toll from the Opioid Epidemic?
Ep. 209 - Can Mathematical Modeling Reduce the Death Toll from the Opioid Epidemic?
Wednesday 3rd October 2018
Discover how Stanford's mathematical model aims to reduce opioid-related deaths. Listen to Cover2 Resources for expert insights.
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Get the buttons here!Can Numbers Help Solve the Opioid Crisis? Insights from Stanford Experts
This is really just one example of how modeling can help us to identify the right direction to go in terms of policy. It's one that's not used enough, but modeling is a key tool to really have for policymakers to evaluate kind of the bigger picture impact of actions.
Imagine if data could be the key to reducing opioid-related deaths. In this episode of Cover2 Resources, host Greg McNeil sits down with Margaret Brandeau, PhD, a professor at Stanford University, to discuss a groundbreaking mathematical model developed by her team. This model aims to assist public health officials and policymakers in tackling the opioid epidemic more effectively. With the staggering statistic that 49,000 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2017 alone, innovative solutions are desperately needed.
Brandeau explains how her team's model incorporates data on addictions, prescriptions, and overdoses to create 'what if' scenarios. These scenarios help predict the outcomes of various policy changes, much like business leaders use data to forecast sales and profits. One striking point she makes is about the unintended consequences of reducing opioid prescriptions.
While this might seem like a straightforward solution, it has led some individuals to turn to heroin, which is often laced with fentanyl—a substance 50 times more potent and far more dangerous. The discussion also touches on the role of prescription monitoring programs and medication-assisted treatments. Brandeau emphasizes the importance of using mathematical models to see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.
This episode offers a fascinating look at how numbers and data can play a crucial role in fighting the opioid crisis, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in public health, policy-making, or addiction recovery.