Question

Read the following Toronto Star story providing an overview of the current opioid abuse epidemic in Canada: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/04/25/an-epidemic-within-an-epidemic-why-opioid-use-in-canada-keeps-rising.html

Consider this information from the perspective of either: A) Neuman’s Systems Model . Respond to the following questions:

Newman System’s Theory Application

• From the information that is provided and from any additional research you may find necessary to undertake, identify what factors might be involved in and impacting our:
  • flexible lines of defense
  • normal lines of defense
  • lines of resistance
  • basic structure
• How can application of the NSM add to our understanding of the opioid abuse epidemic in Canada?

Answer 1

The opioid crisis has affected every region of the country, although some jurisdictions have been impacted more than others. As of 2016, apparent opioid-related deaths and hospitalization rates were highest in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and in both Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Nationally, most apparent opioid-related deaths occurred among males; individuals between 30 and 39 years of age accounted for the greatest proportion. Current evidence suggests regional age and sex differences with respect to health outcomes, especially when synthetic opioids are involved. However, differences between data collection methods and reporting requirements may impact the interpretation and comparability of reported data.

A more comprehensive evidence base is essential to inform a concerted, national response to prevent and reduce further opioid-related harms. To provide the evidence necessary to inform and tailor an effective public health response, PHAC will continue to work with federal, provincial and territorial partners to further refine and standardize national data collection as well as to explore the expansion of information sharing to include nontraditional data sources. PHAC will also continue to support our federal partners through the Federal Action on Opioids,34and collaborate with provincial and territorial officials through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and its Surveillance Task Group (OOSTG) to improve the quality and accessibility of evidence. Better quality evidence will lead to an improved understanding of which populations are at greater risk of death and harms related to the problematic use of opioids, and will allow for more informed and targeted programs and policies to effectively reduce the impact of this crisis on Canadians.