About The Event
Learner category:
- Beginning Level
- Novice Level
Learning objectives:
- Participants will recognize the unique needs of iOAT clients within the program and will identify strategies
utilized to engage the most vulnerable clients, build trust, and bridge to the broader health care system. - Participants will appreciate unique challenges that the Calgary iOAT clients experienced. They will gain awareness
around the improvements and barriers to clients that participate in the Calgary iOAT program.
Abstract
Objective The Calgary Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment (iOAT) program provides specialized wrap-around care and treatment for individuals with severe opioid use disorder who inject drugs and have been unsuccessful with oral medications. Continuous learning has become an embedded component to service delivery. Early learnings include the importance of building connections with the community and health care system. Primary care providers imbedded in iOAT help create a bridge to other services that benefit the clients and facilitate holistic, wrap-around care for this vulnerable population. Methods Client feedback has been the driving force behind any adjustments made at iOAT. Using Quality of Life and Barriers surveys, program experience interviews, self-report and client letters we had the opportunity to understand the impact iOAT had on clients in the program. Results At intake, Forty-one percent of respondents found their quality of life very poor or poor, and more than half (55%) were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their health. After two months and longer in the program, 69% of respondents indicated their quality of life as good or very good, and 48% were satisfied with their health. Positive changes reported were reduced illicit opioid use, reduced criminal activity, and an increased ability to improve their lives. Conclusions Every client is provided with holistic, wrap-around care that supports them in their recovery. This comprehensive care has provided clients with support, encouragement, and opportunity. The clients have reported and demonstrated changed behaviors, improved functioning and a desire to improve their lives.
Authors
Stacey Whitman
RN MN, Alberta Health Services
Stacey Whitman is the Manager Calgary Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment Program and the Calgary Opioid Dependency Program (ODP). She is a registered nurse and competed her Master of Nursing Degree in 2017. Stacey has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, outpatient programming and residential care.
Cristina Zaganelli
MN NP, Alberta Health Services
Cristina is a nurse practitioner with a practice focus in substance use, mental health, and homelessness. She graduated from the University of Calgary and Dalhousie University. Cristina works at the Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy Clinic, Youth Substance Use and Mental Health Services, and The CUPS Health Clinic.
