Background:
The increasing severity of the opiate crisis, stimulant use, and infectious disease in Canada calls for a comprehensive model of care for people who use drugs (PWUD). Due to the high levels of stigma associated with substance use, person-centred care (PCC) has gained traction in health services that promote trauma-informed practices and harm reduction interventions. Increased opiate intoxication led to the formation of an addiction treatment centre (i.e. River Stone Recovery Centre [RSRC]) that utilizes a PCC model to address the growing need in Atlantic Canada.
Description of intervention:
Interdisciplinary, person-centred, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction strategies utilized in an addiction treatment centre that administers injectable opiate agonist therapy (iOAT), oral opiate agonist therapy (OAT), stimulant replacement therapy (SRT), and blood-borne infectious disease treatments are reviewed. The operationalization of the eight PCC dimensions in various areas of treatment is discussed.
Effectiveness:
The engagement success of RSRC is largely attributed to the promotion of empathetic care models that meet eight of the PCC dimensions: 1) access to care, 2) coordination and integration, 3) continuity and translation, 4) physical comfort, 5) information, education, and communication, 6) emotional support, 7) involvement of friends and family, 8) respect for individual client preferences. Continued growth in client intake, access, and care are assessed throughout this addiction treatment centre using PCC practices. An emphasis on organizational performance and treatment groups for the year 2024 is highlighted.
Conclusion and next steps:
The reviewed PCC model is effective at engaging the needs of a growing client base. Further refinement and standardization of training is needed. Training in the eight dimensions of PCC across multiple New Brunswick cities is needed for the continued response in addiction treatment that matches New Brunswickers’ needs. |