Safer Opioid Supply programs: Hydromorphone prescribing in Ontario as a harm reduction intervention to combat the drug poisoning crisis

Original research
par
Schmidt, Rose A. et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English and French

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of four Safer Opioid Supply programs (SSPs) in Ontario, one in London and three in Toronto. Implications of the findings for policy and practice are also explored.

Constatations/points à retenir

The findings suggest that the combination of safer supply, wrap-around support, and harm reduction within primary care settings can lead to increased healthcare engagement, HIV/HCV prevention, testing, and treatment uptake, reducing the burden of infectious diseases and overdose risk. SSPs have the potential to meaningfully reduce overdose rates, address the ongoing overdose crisis, and if scaled up, influence population-level outcomes.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

The intervention (SSPs) involve a daily dispensed prescription of immediate-release hydromorphone tablets for take-home dosing alongside an observed dose of long-acting opioids like slow-release oral morphine. Implemented within a multidisciplinary primary care framework, these programs emphasize patient-centred approaches and comprehensive health and social support.

Mots clés

Barriers and enablers
Diversion
Clinical guidance
Harm reduction
Illegal drugs
Safer supply
Substitution/OAT
Wrap-around services
Overdose