Optimizing Buprenorphine Dosing: Strategies for Engagement and Stability
This session will explore how the Cascade of Care framework—recognized by national bodies such as the NIH and CDC—can be used to evaluate and optimize OUD treatment delivery. We will examine each stage of the cascade, from diagnosis to sustained remission, and discuss how key metrics, including the HEDIS Pharmacotherapy for OUD (POD) measure, reveal system-level gaps and opportunities. Emphasis will be placed on early engagement, low-barrier access, and the importance of appropriate dosing for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen each stage of the cascade within their own Opioid Center of Excellence.
Target Audience
Nurse
Physician
Social Worker
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the clinical rationale for using higher-dose buprenorphine 2. Explain the evidence supporting improved outcomes with higher-dose buprenorphine 3. Identify the steps required to safely initiate, titrate, and monitor higher-dose buprenorphine

In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1 contact hours.
Social Work
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credits.
Other Healthcare Professionals
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- 1.00 ANCCUPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
- 1.00 ASWB
- 1.00 Attendance

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