The AFMC Response to Opioid Crisis Project launched the Patient Physician Partnership Toolkit in early 2023 in partnership with the Center of Excellence on Partnership with Patients and the Public (CEPPP). In working with patient subject matter experts (SMEs) from CEPPP, we developed a Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) curricula on treating and managing substance use disorder and opioid stewardship. The patient SMEs have been instrumental in integrating the patient perspective within the curricula and in co-creating the Physician-Patient Partnership Toolkit, which aims to provide information and tools for physicians and patients to enhance dialogue and collaboration to improve care.

As a means of establishing productive partnerships between healthcare professionals and patients, the toolkit is a comprehensive resource for opioid prescribed patients, practicing and future physicians and the public to learn more about opioids, opioid prescription, and pain management. In addition to a discussion tool to help facilitate better communication during medical appointments, the Toolkit also highlights topics such as Medication Safety and Storage, Patient Confidentiality and includes testimonials by patients. The patients shared powerful experiences with living with opioids and their interactions with the healthcare system.

To learn more about the AFMC Patient-Physician Partnership Toolkit visit opioids.afmc.ca