Perspectives on Diversion of Medications From Safer Opioid Supply Programs

Original research
par
Olding, Michelle et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

To examine provider (prescribing clinicians and allied health professionals) and patient perspectives on diversion of opioids prescribed in safer supply programs.

Constatations/points à retenir

Diversion encompasses a wide spectrum of practices (selling, sharing, and loss of medications), and occurs for complex reasons that surveillance and punitive measures are unlikely to mitigate. Diversion may be best addressed by expanding medication options to better match patients’ diverse substance use needs and high tolerance, alongside wraparound social supports.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

In 2021, qualitative interviews and sociodemographic questionnaires were conducted with patients and providers across 4 safer supply programs in Ontario, Canada. Interviews with 21 providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals) and 52 patients examined experiences implementing safer supply or receiving care. 

Mots clés

About prescribers
About PWUD
Advocacy
Barriers and enablers
Diversion
Harm reduction
Safer supply