RN and RPN Perceptions and Experiences of Prescribing Opioid Agonist Therapy to People with an Opioid Use Disorder in British Columbia

Abstract

Study background

British Columbia (B.C.) has suffered a significant loss of life every day due to the unregulated drug poisoning crisis that has affected this province since 2016 (B.C. Coroners Service, 2023). In September 2020 the B.C. Provincial Medical Health Officer, issued a provincial health order to allow registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) to diagnose and prescribe pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Ministry of Health, 2020).

Purpose

To understand how RNs and RPNs in B.C. experience their expanded role as nurse prescribers of opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Methods

Utilizing Sally Thorne's (2016) Interpretive Description method, a purposeful sample of RNs and RPNs across the province who actively prescribe OAT to people with an OUD were interviewed about their experience and perceptions.

Results

Key findings of this study include insights into the positive and challenging experiences of prescribing OAT in B.C.; operational implementation considerations for RNs and RPNs prescribing OAT; and the strengths and flexibility that RNs and RPNs can bring to OAT care.

Conclusions

Findings within this research are relevant to other Canadian provinces considering implementing RN/RPN OAT prescribing as a strategy to increase access to pharmacological treatment for people with OUD.