Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: JR Westerberg

Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: JR Westerberg

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.