Affiliation:
1. Northern Ontario School of Medicine
2. Cambrian College
3. Health Sciences North
4. Laurentian University
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In response to the escalating global prevalence of substance use and the specific challenges faced in Northern Ontario, Canada, an Addiction Medicine Unit (AMU) was established at Health Sciences North (HSN) in Sudbury. This protocol outlines the approach for a comprehensive evaluation of the AMU, with the aim of assessing its impact on patient outcomes, healthcare utilization, and staff perspectives.
Methods
We conducted a parallel mixed-method study that encompassed the analysis of single-center-level administrative health data and primary data collection, including a longitudinal observational study (target n = 1,200), pre- and post-admission quantitative interviews (target n = 100), and qualitative interviews (target n = 25 patients and n = 15 staff). We implemented a participatory approach to this evaluation, collaborating with individuals who possess lived or living expertise in drug use, frontline staff, and decision-makers across the hospital. Data analysis methods encompass a range of statistical techniques, including logistic regression models, Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier curves, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and thematic qualitative analysis, ensuring a robust evaluation of patient outcomes and healthcare utilization.
Discussion
This protocol serves as the foundation for a comprehensive assessment designed to provide insights into the AMU's effectiveness in addressing substance use-related challenges, reducing healthcare disparities, and improving patient outcomes. All study procedures have been meticulously designed to align with the ethical principles outlined in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. The findings will be disseminated progressively through committees and working groups established for this research, and subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals. Anticipated outcomes include informing evidence-based healthcare decision-making and driving improvements in addiction treatment practices within healthcare settings.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference27 articles.
1. Global burden of disease attributable to illicit drug use and dependence: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010;Degenhardt L;Lancet,2013
2. Rush B. Application of the Needs-Based Planning Model to the Substance Use Treatment System in the Cochrane Sub-region of the Northeast Local Health Integration Network. Toronto Ontario; 2019.
3. Canadian Mental Health Association. Rural and Northern Community Issues in Mental Health 2009 [Available from: http://ontario.cmha.ca/public_policy/rural-and-northern-community-issues-in-mental-health/#.V9rIno-cFlY].
4. Facilitating medical withdrawal from opiates in rural Ontario;Kiepek N;Rural Remote Health,2012
5. Urban-rural variation in the socioeconomic determinants of opioid overdose;Pear VA;Drug Alcohol Depend,2019