Dialogue Volume 12 Issue 4 2016 | Page 24

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Health Canada , provinces commit to tackling opioid crisis

Ontario begins to make data from Narcotics Monitoring System available to prescribers

Some Ontario physicians are now able to access data that gives them a comprehensive up-to-date picture of the narcotics that have been dispensed to their patients . The pilot project was launched in early December in three organizations in Guelph . It allows clinicians at the sites to have access to data from the province ’ s Narcotic Monitoring System ( NMS ). The information will allow physicians to make a more informed decision about whether prescribing opioids is the most appropriate treatment for a particular patient . Dr . Eric Hoskins , Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care , had made a pledge just two weeks earlier , stating that giving this kind of access to all prescribers would be a priority for his government . Dr . Hoskins had made the promise as part of a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis , which was released at the conclusion of a two-day summit in Ottawa . Dr . Rocco Gerace , College Registrar , said he was pleased with Ontario ’ s direction in giving physicians access to monitored drug information . “ This is something that we have

Dialogue Issue 4 , 2016 been asking for since our 2010 report Tackling the Opioid Public Health Crisis . If prescribers had prescription information for all patients , it would help them determine whether prescribing opioids is the most appropriate intervention . This information would also alert the prescriber to patients who may be double-doctoring , using multiple pharmacies or diverting opioids .” Dr . Hoskins also promised to provide physicians in the province with reports that show how their opioid prescribing compares to that of their peers and to best practices . Dr . Hoskins co-hosted the summit with Federal Health Minister Dr . Jane Philpott . It brought together policy makers , health-care professionals , researchers , educators , and regulatory bodies to identify specific actions and publicly commit to taking these actions . ( Please see the College ’ s contribution to the action plan on facing page ). “ Canada faces a serious and growing opioid crisis . We see its consequences in the rates of addiction , overdoses , and deaths across the country . This is a complex health and social issue with devastating
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Health Canada ’ s commitment includes :

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BETTER INFORMING CANADIANS ABOUT THE RISKS OF OPIOIDS : New warning stickers , patient information sheets , review of best practices .
SUPPORTING BETTER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES : Promote prescription monitoring programs , examine pharmacy records , share information with provincial licensing bodies , Canada Health Infoway e-prescribing solution .
REDUCING EASY ACCESS TO UNNECESSARY OPIOIDS : Clear contraindications for approved opioids , regulatory changes that will propose requiring a prescription for low-dose codeine products , mandatory risk management plans for certain opioids .
SUPPORTING BETTER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PATIENTS : Better and faster access to naloxone , expediting the review of non-opioid pain relievers , re-examining special requirements for methadone .
IMPROVING THE EVIDENCE BASE : Bringing together experts in the field to discuss how to improve data collection and the Canadian evidence base .