Safe and supportive opioid prescribing for chronic pain – featuring Dr. Shannon Douglas

Dr. Shannon Douglas grew up in the Omineca area of Northern BC and has been dog sledding in the Fort St James area since her youth. She now practices medicine in the same region and is the Medical Director for the Lakes Omineca region and loves the diversity of patients she cares for everyday. This region includes Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, Burns Lake, Southside and Granisle. Chronic pain is a debilitating, complex condition that effects >60,000 people within the Northern Health region, and many patients use opioids to manage their pain. In 2016-2017 it became apparent that that opioid prescribing for chronic pain was contributing to the  opioid overdose public health crisis. There was a need for improved processes for patients to access their medication in a way that was safe, timely, and evidence based. Dr. Douglas initiated an improvement project aimed at redefining the way chronic pain patients were supported in primary care. She worked together with the local interprofessional team to create a new pathway and screening process, that ensured prescription renewals became comprehensive care episodes. Changing the approach required self-reflection and challenging the status quo of 'the way it's always been done’. The project was successful, and patients really enjoyed the new approach, since getting medication can be really challenging for chronic pain patients. Ultimately the patients were able to manage their pain in a safe and supported way, and many were empowered to eventually transition away from opioids.