Tracking Prescription Opioids: A New Initiative in New Brunswick’s Fight Against Opioid Crisis
In our continuous examination of the opioid crisis, it is essential we address recent interventions made in different parts of Canada to mitigate the challenges it presents and the toll it takes on Canadian societies. In this vein, a recently published article by CTV News reports that the province of New Brunswick has implemented a new program to help track and monitor specific drug prescriptions, including opioids.
Why Track and Monitor Prescription Opioids?
The opioid crisis, which is largely characterized by widespread misuse, addiction, and overdose of opioid drugs, has led to increased homelessness, crime rates, and significant public health disarray. In their bid to contain the situation, the pharmaceutical sector and health policymakers alike have recognized the importance of tracking and monitoring prescriptions, especially for opioids.
Monitoring prescriptions provides a necessary point of control to observe potential misuse patterns, inappropriate prescribing, and ‘doctor shopping’, which refers to the practice of visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions. The New Brunswick government believes that by implementing this system, understanding the trends in opioid prescriptions would be easier, assisting in determining where help could be sent and what measures could be enacted.
The New Prescription Monitoring Program In Action
As detailed in the CTV News piece, the new program, known as The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), is made possible through legislation that aligns with the province’s five-year mental health and addiction plan. It will help track and monitor certain drug prescriptions, effectively offering greater oversight and fostering early detection of outliers in prescribing and dispensing habits. This will enable easier establishment and enforcement of necessary corrective measures.
Key Aspects Of the PMP
The PMP has some defining features which make it a vital component in the fight against the opioid crisis:
- It uses data for analysis and identification of patients at risk of harm, thus facilitating early intervention.
- It provides health care professionals immediate access to patients’ medication histories, which in turn improves patient safety and care.
- The PMP identifies prescribers and pharmacists with irregular practices, aiding in implementing necessary corrective actions.
- In cases of suspicious activity, the PMP can generate reports to law enforcement agencies.
The PMP: A Step Forward Amidst Ongoing Challenges
While the PMP in New Brunswick represents progress in combating the opioid crisis, it is only a single response in a complex and multifaceted challenge. Complete eradication of opioid misuse and addiction across Canada is still some way off and will require the continuous and combined efforts of various stakeholders. Fortunately, the province of New Brunswick is not alone in this fight. Various strategies, including the opioid class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, broader accessibility of Naloxone – a lifesaving drug that can reverse opioid overdose effects, and several harm reduction approaches have all been employed in different provinces to fight this crisis.
Conclusion: The Importance of Data in Combatting the Opioid Crisis
The New Brunswick PMP is an example of how data usage can play a significant role in addressing and potentially overcoming the opioid crisis. By providing a clear image of prescription patterns, the PMP can help curb overuse and deter illicit activities related to opioids. It is a crucial part of a concerted response, and it complements other strategies and initiatives in addressing a crisis that has not only led to increased rates of homelessness and crime but has also placed enormous burdens on health services.
Though it is too soon to determine its full impact, the PMP is a promising initiative. It exemplifies the province’s dedication to mitigating opioid misuse and addiction and investing in the well-being of its citizens. Monitoring key indicators, sharing data, and employing findings to inform decisions will continue to be invaluable tools for public health in New Brunswick and across Canada.
