Overview
Youth in British Columbia have been affected by the ongoing opioid crisis. One option for addressing this crisis is opioid agonist treatment (OAT), which gives people access to prescribed medications that can help limit the use of unregulated opioids. However, there remain significant knowledge gaps in how to best provide OAT to youth.
In Phases 1-3 of this project, the team reviewed research literature about OAT for youth. They then used this information as a starting point for interviews with experts in the field, including those with lived experience, service providers and decision makers. These interviews helped validate the results of the literature review and understand the role of youth OAT as part of a broader substance use strategy for youth in British Columbia. The team then co-designed a youth-centred model of care for youth OAT. In Phase 4, they will be validating and disseminating the model across British Columbia.
This study is co-led by Dr. Kirsten Marchand (Foundry Research Scientist and Assistant Professor at University of British Columbia) and Dr. Skye Barbic (Head Scientist at Foundry and Associate Professor at University of British Columbia).
Funders
Phases 1-3 of this study were funded by a grant from the British Columbia Ministry of Health in partnership with University of British Columbia Health. Phase 4 is funded by a grant from Michael Smith Health Research BC.
Resources
- Marchand K, Turuba R, Hui D, Gunn H, Wright MD, Marshall T, Fast D, Knight R, Marsh DC, Sassi R, Mathias S, Barbic S. (2025). A scoping review of evidence-based interventions and health-related services for youth who use nonmedical opioids in Canada and the United States. Journal of Adolescent Health. 76(3):348-360.