Chronic Pain Management and Opioid Dependency
Project Objectives:
- Strengthen the ability of family physicians to provide care to patients through education around the College prescribing standards, improving patient - physician attachment and developing standard of care protocols.
- Identify services available in the community and improve awareness and access to the services.
- Develop collaborative care approach to improve communication and referrals to addictions specialists and pain support services.
- Provide pain management support and education for patients and providers to help patients manage pain more effectively.
Intended Outcomes:
- Coordinated approach to care that involves collaboration among GP’s SP’s, addictions services, patients/families, physio and mental health services.
- Improved awareness and access to addiction services and chronic pain management.
- Safe prescribing practices.
- Comfort/GP confidence in supporting patients struggling with addictions.
- Appropriate use of hospital services; reduced ER visits.
- Patients and families feel supported and have a stronger relationship with their GP.
- Reduction in patients seeking street narcotics to deal with pain.
- Patients and physicians are educated in pain management and have access to tools and resources.