London ranked sixth-highest in Canada for opioid hospitalization rates in 2017. This is why hospitals in the city will test a protocol designed to decrease the amount of narcotics prescribed for acute pain. Patients who suffer from non-chronic pain - likely the result of fractures or surgeries - will receive no more than a three-day supply of opioids. The hospitals will also provide information about pain management to patients in those situations and implemented tamper- and fraud-resistant features to mitigate misuse of the narcotics. The policy is the work of the opioid stewardship council, an initiative from the medical decision-making body at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
Related:
Statement from NBMS regarding opioid use in New Brunswick - NBMS
Déclaration de la SMNB concernant l’utilisation des opioïdes au Nouveau-Brunswick - SMNB
Expérience des soins