Module 4: Therapeutics

Lesson 2

Treatment agreements

Treatment agreements should be used whenever a CDS is prescribed, even if the medication is not currently monitored in one’s jurisdiction. The agreement is an excellent communication and documentary tool that establishes the agreed upon plan of care between the clinician and the patient/client as well as the expectations of each. Treatment agreements have been shown to decrease medication misuse and to improve communication and medication vigilance. The College of Nurses of Nova Scotia have an excellent NP practice guideline that conforms to recommendations included in the National Opioid Use Guidelines and contains additional information relevant for NP practice as well as two comprehensive treatment agreements that can be downloaded.  An additional sample opioid medication treatment agreement can be found here (NOUGG, 2017).

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