Initiations of safer supply hydromorphone increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario: An interrupted time series analysis

Original research
by
Young, Samantha et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We aimed to evaluate how the number of new safer supply hydromorphone (SSHM) dispensations changed during the pandemic in Ontario.

Findings/Key points

The pandemic led to an abrupt increase in SSHM prescribing in Ontario, although the rate of increase was similar before and during the pandemic. The absolute number of individuals who accessed SSHM remained low throughout the pandemic.

Design/methods

Retrospective interrupted time-series analysis using provincial administrative databases.

Keywords

Safer supply
About prescribers