Manitoba doctors get practice manual on how to prescribe opioid agonist therapy

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba has released a new manual for physicians prescribing opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Local experts wrote the 26-chapter manual, which provides detailed recommendations and guidance on various aspects of OAT care. It’s to update a 2014 publication that didn’t include much information on buprenorphine-containing OAT medications and had outdated recommendation on methadone treatment. The number of OAT prescribers in the province has grown and there are now more places to access the treatment. “In 2015, there were only nine OAT prescribers in Manitoba and now we're up to 231,” said Dr. Marina Reinecke, chair of the manual’s working group, medical project lead, editor, and co-author of the manual. “A repository of knowledge, experience, and infrastructure did not exist then. The manual goes above filling a gap; it sets a standard of care for reducing harm and providing life-saving treatment.” The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba said that it receives frequent requests for guidance on the issues addressed by the manual. The new manual includes: How OAT fits into treating opioid use disorder What to consider before starting or stopping treatment How to treat various populations and in certain circumstances Where to find resources and tools to support prescribers What to know specifically about buprenorphine and methadone treatments What is recommended for third-line treatment options The working group of experts developed the manual specifically for Manitoba practitioners, with a focus on care needs, barriers to treatment and advocacy issues in the province. Read: Innovative program helps B.C. patients with overdose related brain injuries One physician said that they often refer patients to the manual so the patients know what to expect and understand that they are receiving the same standard of care as others, a press release from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba said. The manual is also intended to support quality assurance in OAT practice, and promote collaboration among healthcare professionals and patients. The Manitoba Opioid Agonist Therapy Recommended Practice Manual is available on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba’s website. It’s online so it can be updated as evidence and best practices evolve.

Manitoba doctors get practice manual on how to prescribe opioid agonist therapy

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