Session 4(d): Innovations and Insights in Opioid Use Disorder Care (Northern and Rural Contexts)

PRESENTATIONS:

Title: Learning about Opioid Use Disorder (LOUD) in the Emergency Department (ED) - Health Quality BC
Speaker: Cassandra Baker
Description: LOUD is a provincial initiative aimed at improving emergency care for people living with opioid use disorder. Engaging ED teams in quality improvement activities, practical tools, and coaching, the project supports better identification, intervention, and connection to follow-up care. Early outcomes include increased harm reduction resources, enhanced staff understanding of screening tools, and more consults with addiction specialists. Ongoing lessons highlight the importance of frontline communication, accessible resources, stigma reduction, and creative approaches to data tracking.

Title: Evaluation Results in Action: Planning a Year-Round, Holistic Addictions Recovery Program in Northern BC
Speaker: Rachael Wells
Description: This multi-year evaluation explored client and staff experiences with a seasonal addictions recovery program to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and key elements to replicate in expanded programming. Findings guided iterative program enhancements, including the addition of medical withdrawal management and the extension from four to six weeks, allowing clients time for recovery before treatment. The evaluation informed the expansion to a new centre at Tachick Lake, supporting holistic healing and improved program outcomes for Northern BC communities.

Title: Capability to Provide Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Rural and Urban Primary Care Clinics: Lessons from California
Speaker: Jessica Telizyn
Description: This study examined how clinic rurality influences the ability to provide medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in primary care. Across 77 clinics in California, rural clinics initially showed lower capability, but participation in a 12–18 month implementation support program, including monitoring, learning collaboratives, webinars, and facilitation, helped rural and urban clinics achieve similar MOUD capability scores. Findings highlight that with targeted support, rural primary care clinics are well-positioned to deliver evidence-based OUD treatment despite systemic barriers.