Innovative toolkit blazes trail for healthcare providers to learn with patients struggling with opioid use, chronic pain

It’s challenging to emphasize the destructive impact of Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis. With over 40,000 opioid-related deaths since 2016, the country has been devastated, affecting families from all backgrounds. Opioid-related hospitalizations and emergency calls have significantly increased.

New strategies for physicians and patients are urgently required to address society’s opioid misuse issues.

A new collaboration involving the University of Ottawa is focusing on a patient toolkit that aims to optimize therapeutic outcomes and change the approach to projects in this field.

A discussion paper published in the Patient Education and Counseling journal and a research report in the Academic Medicine journal delve into the Patient-Physician Partnership Toolkit, bilingual online modules created by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC).

Unique Co-Creation

The toolkit’s curriculum was co-created through a collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients with lived experiences, highlighting a significant aspect of the project, according to Dr. K. Jean Chen, the paper’s lead author from the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Chen emphasizes the importance of learning with patients rather than just about them, stating that this project aimed to shift culture in healthcare.

One reviewer described the project as a “unique model of co-creation” between healthcare providers and patients, highlighting the innovative collaboration approach.

Dr. Chen stresses the importance of involving patient “Subject Matter Experts” (SMEs) in creating resources for chronic pain and opioid use, as it enhances understanding, communication, and trust between physicians and patients.

Insights from patients involved in the project revealed the impact of stigma and shame on individuals seeking care for pain or substance use, emphasizing the need for empathy and trust-building in clinical interactions.

The toolkit includes a “mythbusters” resource that challenges common misconceptions about opioid use and chronic pain, with input from patients to ensure accuracy and reduce stigma.

Dr. Chen believes that involving patients in training healthcare professionals leads to better care by promoting respect, safety, and effectiveness in clinical interactions.

The research team’s next step is to embed this approach sustainably across medical education and support faculty development to reinforce care principles nationwide.