It has been eight years since BC declared a public health emergency related to the drug crisis. In the first nine months of 2024, there were 1,749 drug deaths. While not everyone at risk of overdose is suffering from an opioid use disorder (OUD), many are. CPSBC encourages registrants to refresh their knowledge in recognizing and managing substance use disorders to prevent harmful or fatal patient overdoses.
In 2023, the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) updated its for the management of OUD. This comprehensive guidance document addresses basic features in the clinical management of OUD, and addresses some of the key challenges unique to BC’s toxic drug crisis. The BCCSU also offers extensive tailored to the needs of registrants who confront these issues in their daily practice. Registrants can gain insights through these resources into the most up-to-date recommendations on how to help at-risk patients.
This year, the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters updated its for the management of OUD. Several core recommendations have changed in light of the ongoing toxic drug crisis. Registrants should become familiar with the clinical best practices, which were set by leading addiction medicine experts from across Canada.
The management of these conditions is rapidly evolving. Recognizing and initiating care for patients with OUD or at risk of overdose is a core competency. CPSBC urges all registrants to continue their learning on how to manage these conditions and help end this public health emergency.