Reassessing procedures ofopioid agonist therapy(OAT)–reducing requirements to allow more to access OAT
Considerations of reducing contact by increasing duration of OAT carries for those previously ineligible, and ensuring closing of provision gaps due to weekends/stat holidays/etc.
Increased provision ofsuppliesfor patients
Changes to controlled substance regulations allow for phamacists to extend prescriptions, transfer prescriptions to other pharmacists, accept refills/prescriptions from providers by phone, and allowing the delivery of controlled substances; Recommendations around the prescription of “safe supply” of stimulants and illicit benzodiazepines include the prescription of low-dose medications under (virtual) supervision to reduce the potential for withdrawal
Deferring medical withdrawal management and dose reductions, considerations of transitioning to lower risk OAT
Ensuring access to culturally relevant psychosocial support, and allowing for pharmacological treatment without a requirement of abstinence or psychosocial therapy
Badea, A; Fornssler, B; Dalidowicz, M; Young, C; Howell-Spooner, B. What are the best practices for delivery of harm reduction services to people who are self-isolating 2020 Apr 20; Document no.: VPL041602 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 10 p. (CEST rapid review report)