The provision of OAMT presents unique challenges compared to other medications, particularly now during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Solutions to these challenges are a shared responsibility between the patient, their primary prescriber and pharmacists, and need to be made in consideration of the fine balance between the public health risk due to COVID-19 and the public/patient risk of diversion and overdose.
To support pharmacists in their efforts to continue to provide this critical service and to enable pharmacists to use their knowledge and skills to solve these challenges, the PEI College of Pharmacy has made provisions to the Treatment of Opioid Dependence Practice Directives for Community Pharmacists. The provisions can be found in a Guidance Document.