Safer supply feasibility study reaches data analysis phase

The Safer Supply research project, led by Claire Bodkin, Suzanne Turner, and Robin Lennox, aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a medical safer supply program using prescription opioids for people with treatment-refractory opioid use disorder. Participants must be above 18 years old, residing in Hamilton, with ongoing opioid use while on appropriately dosed Opioid Agonist Treatment or unable to achieve a therapeutic dose before receiving a daily oral hydromorphone (“Dilaudid”) prescription. Enrolment was completed in December 2023 (n=50 in Safer Supply group; n=10 in Waitlist group) with the last follow-up occurring the following December (2024). The two groups allow for some comparisons between having access to a safer (opioid) supply and not. In addition to baseline surveys and chart review, we conducted interviews with both groups and have begun coding the transcripts for qualitative analysis. We have a patient advisory committee that offers content expertise to better tailor our project to our population. We are currently analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data with plans to publish two papers.

Project Leads: Claire Bodkin, Suzanne Turner, Robin Lennox
Contact: Alisha Atri (atria1@mcmaster.ca)