Widening the Aperture: the Swiss Cheese Model for Opioid Policy

This session introduces a comprehensive framework for addressing the opioid crisis through the lens of the Swiss Cheese Model. Drawing parallels from safety system’s theory, Jonathan Stoltman will explain how this approach recognizes that no single intervention is perfect—each has “holes” like Swiss cheese. However, when multiple strategies are layered together (e.g., prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery), we can create a more effective and resilient policy response. Healthcare professionals and policymakers will gain valuable insights into how this new policy model can address the full spectrum of opioid-related challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will identify the four key domains of comprehensive opioid policy (prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery) and explain how they interconnect.
• Participants will analyze common policy gaps or “holes” within each domain that can compromise the effectiveness of opioid response efforts.
• Participants will define the Swiss Cheese Model and explain its application to complex public health challenges, particularly opioid policy.