Risk Mitigation in the Context of Dual Public Health Emergencies

About: BC clinical guidance March 2020 for prescribing of substances to support individuals at increased risk of overdose, withdrawal, craving and other harms in the context of the COVID_19 pandemic, including challenges introduced as the result of public health guidance (e.g. isolation; risk of COVID-19, etc.). Because of urgency and its focus on the impacts of the emerging pandemic, a full literature review was not included. Includes eligibility, screening/assessment, recommendations for reducing secondary harms; resources to support enrolment and prescribing for people without GP/NP willing to prescribe; pharmacotherapy protocols for the pandemic context; overdose prevention guidance, delivery, outreach support and rural/remote considerations. Appendices offer induction protocols/dosing, sample prescriptions, clinical scenarios and additional resources. Contribution: First provincial guidance document for safe supply/risk mitigation in the context of the pandemic, in Canada; revised 2022 based on current evidence and clinical experience.

Updated (2022) risk mitigation direct file link: https://www.bccsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Risk-Mitigation-Guidanc…