Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians may experience substance use disorder (addiction) during their lifetime. Despite efforts to reduce overdose deaths, 2022 witnessed a tragic surge in drug-related fatalities in Canada. Medications used to treat opioid use disorder (opioid addiction) have proven effective in reducing overdoses and deaths; and hospital admissions can be a crucial opportunity to connect people with addiction treatment. Unfortunately, both local and international data show that very few individuals start treatment in the hospital, and even fewer continue it after leaving. The main obstacle appears to be a lack of coordination within our healthcare system, particularly during transitions in care, such as the move from hospital to the community. To address this issue, Providence Health Care in Vancouver, British Columbia, is introducing an innovative approach to addiction care through the Road to Recovery (R2R) Initiative. This study aims to assess the impact of the R2R care model on the initiation and continuity of medications for opioid use disorder. It will also examine subsequent outcomes, including hospital readmissions, overdoses, and deaths. The ultimate goal is to eliminate systemic obstacles and enhance access to life-saving medication for individuals with opioid use disorder.