Tackling the opioid crisis in Alberta requires new approaches and an immediate response of the entire health system to change its trajectory. Engaging primary care physicians, their teams and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Alberta is essential in defining new primary health care approaches to address the crisis and the systemic issues that contribute to it. Through the Primary Health Care Opioid Response Initiative, the Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP), Alberta Medical Association (AMA), Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Zone PCN Committees have aligned to support the systematic changes needed for primary care to respond.
"The specialty of family medicine is built on relationships physicians and teams have with patients. Those relationships open windows to our patient's lives and often trigger discussions around difficult topics including pain and opioid use. As we continue to battle the opioid crisis in Canada, thanks to you and your teams for continuing to work with those using opioids and those at risk who may be initiating opioids. Learning how to structure our team-based approach to this complex population moves us yet another step along the path to Patient's Medical Home." - Dr. Brad Bahler
AMA Summary Report - PHCORI
This brief report highlights the key learnings from PCN and primary care teams in responding to the opioid crisis that was supported by the AMA Accelerating Care Transformation Team.