Filling the substance use treatment gap requires better education and research training

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While education is unlikely the ultimate filling for the substance use treatment gap, it is one that can be hardly overlooked and underestimated.

Many medical programs likely do little in the way of introducing students to the scientific evidence underlying addictions treatment, and emerging physicians have difficulty implementing best evidence.

This is a serious concern in light of the urgent need for improved addictions care, and highlights even further the necessity of expanding interdisciplinary education in evidence-based addictions treatment.

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How can people with opioid use disorder get better virtual care?

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Virtual care is the new normal around the globe. The emergence of COVID-19 introduced a dual public health emergency in British Columbia. The province was already in the fourth year of its opioid-related overdose crisis. The public health response to COVID-19 must explicitly consider different communities experiencing marginalization including persons with opioid use disorder.
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Dennis McCarty receives prestigious Kentucky award 2022

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Dennis McCarty, Ph.D., an Emeritus Professor in the School of Public Health at the Portland State University and Oregon Health & Science University, has been inducted to the University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame 2022.  This blog celebrates Dr McCarty‘s work and contribution to my research career. Please, see the event details below.

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Why equity hinders effective pain relief for opioid naive people

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Equitable access to care is problematic; some people get it, most are left out.

The REDONNA study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2021.106462) began from the motivation for equitable opioid prescribing in primary care. It aimed to provide prescribing non-judgmental feedback to physicians using audit & feedback letters developed by the @Drug_Evidence and @DrRitaMc @malcolmlaclure

 

They received information about the number of new opioid initiations & how they compared to the average physician. They were provided information on the (lack) of effectiveness on pain for opioid naïve patients through educational webinars: https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmac044

 

From this study, we hope to support the uptake of quality prescribing practices that are equity-oriented and evidence-based to help patients manage pain.

Equitable care saves lives

This includes equitable prescribing for individuals who use opioids in addition to medical education that goes beyond and amplifies the message of international @OverdoseDay  #IOAD2022 #endoverdose

Special thanks to @ShawnaNarayan for coordinating REDONNA and crafting educational messages.