More than 10,000 people have lost their lives due to illicit toxic substances since a public health emergency was first declared in British Columbia in 2016.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this public health crisis has worsened due to a myriad of factors. At times, people were more isolated using substances alone further increasing their risk of overdose; attendance at harm reduction services also periodically declined and the illicit drug supply became increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, benzodiazepines and other toxic and potent substances.
To better care for people who use substances, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) are offering VCH medical staff funded training opportunities that can build provider capacity and skill sets for prescribing opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
OAT is an evidence-based treatment that can reduce the reliance on unregulated opioids for individuals with opioid use disorder. Evidence shows that individuals who are actively prescribed OAT are at lower risk of experiencing a toxic drug overdose. This treatment, if prescribed appropriately, has the potential to save many lives.
“I would strongly urge my colleagues to take the opportunity to build their expertise in OAT prescribing. The drug toxicity crisis disproportionately impacts those who reside in our health authority," says Dr. Rupi Brar, Regional Medical Director, VCH Regional Addiction Program. “Substance use is prevalent and we all come across it in our day-to-day practice. Confidently prescribing OAT to your patient could make the difference in saving their life from a fatal overdose."
To date, over 200 VCH healthcare providers have completed the funded OAT training.
Funded training opportunities
Application form
This paid online training is hosted by the BCCSU and available to physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, allied health professionals, RNs, LPNs and RPNs working within the VCH region. The goal of this training is to build capacity amongst care providers to support people who use substances.
Applicaiton form
This paid training course has an online and preceptorship component. It is available to physicians, nurse practitioners, residents, RNs, LPNs, and RPNs working within VCH. The goal is to build capacity amongst care providers to prescribe and support patients in accessing buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), methadone, and slow release oral morphine (Kadian). *CME credits available. Preceptorship component only available to MDs, NPs, residents and psychiatrists.
Training opportunity 3: Custom OAT Prescriber Rotations
Application form
This paid training is a customized learning opportunity to support skill enhancement for care providers who have already completed POATSP training and who are able to prescribe OAT. During a five to 10 day rotation, trainees work side-by-side with a preceptor to build their capacity as prescribers.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a panel reviewing applicants monthly. If interested, please complete and return the relevant application form (links above) to oatnetwork@vch.ca.
