Top left , Ms . Diane Doherty , chair of the College ’ s Methadone Committee , addressed more than 300 physicians who attended the College-organized methadone conference . Bottom left , Dr . Michael Kaufmann of the OMA ’ s Physician Health Program gave the keynote address . photo : alYSSA wodabek
Conference held for methadone prescribers
More than 300 physicians who prescribe methadone attended a College-organized conference recently to discuss best practices and meet fellow prescribers . The event , coordinated in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , hosted speakers who addressed different facets of opioid prescribing such as addiction and aging , opioid use disorder in the youth population ; and flexibility and refusal skills .
Ms . Diane Doherty , chair of the College ’ s Methadone Committee and a public member of Council , told the physicians that the number of patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment ( MMT ) continues to climb . As of October 2016 , more than 42,000 Ontarians were dispensed MMT with approximately 490 physicians providing MMT in 244 clinics across Ontario .
Ms . Doherty touched upon the some of the “ problem ” issues identified by the Committee and recognized the need for more education and support to help physicians in adhering to the methadone standards and College policy . The issues she highlighted included :
• Dosing Issues : specifically the importance of documenting the reasons for dose adjustments and that patients frequently are not seen enough after dose increases .
• Approving accelerated take home doses with no documentation regarding the rationale .
• Clinical notes lacking sufficient detail to adequately tell the ‘ patient ’ s story ’ and ensuring prescribers document all rationale for dosing and carries .
• Transcription errors and lack of unique notes .
“ These issues continue to be identified by the Committee – in this respect , we encourage prescribers to review the Guidelines on a regular basis and reach out to more experienced colleagues if you have questions about managing challenging situations ,” said Ms . Doherty . The keynote speaker was Dr . Michael Kaufmann , of the Ontario Medical Association ’ s Physician Health Program . He spoke about why it was important for physicians to incorporate civility into their daily lives . The physicians were welcomed to the meeting with comments from the Registrar , Dr . Rocco Gerace , who thanked the methadone prescribers for their important work in caring for a vulnerable patient population . MD
Issue 4 , 2016 Dialogue 33