Influence of physician networks on the implementation of pharmaceutical alternatives to a toxic drug supply in British Columbia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Characterizing the diffusion of adopted changes in policy and clinical practice can inform enhanced implementation strategies to ensure prompt uptake in public health emergencies and other rapidly evolving disease areas. A novel guidance document was introduced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which supported clinicians to prescribe opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. We aimed to determine the extent to which uptake and discontinuation of an initial attempt at a prescribed safer supply (PSS) program were influenced through networks of prescribers.

Methods

We executed a retrospective population-based study using linked health administrative data that captured all clinicians who prescribed to at least one client with a su

SUBMITTER: Kurz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10771688 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature