Research Projects

A mixed methods evaluation of risk mitigation measures to address the dual public health crises of COVID-19 and overdose

Status: Active

Project Lead: Amanda Slaunwhite, Bohdan Nosyk, Bernie Pauly, Karen Urbanoski, Brittany Barker

We are conducting a mixed-methods evaluation of BC's Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG), using qualitative, quantitative and implementation science methodologies. The RMG enabled BC prescribers (e.g. physicians, nurse practitioners) to prescribe ‘pharmaceutical alternatives’ to the illicit drug supply during the COVID-19 pandemic (sometimes referred to as 'Safer Supply'). The evaluation seeks to understand how effective this was, what the barriers and facilitators to success were, and how the intervention could be improved.