Observing, Understanding, and Telling stories at the end of Life for Opioid Use Disorder patients (OUTLOUD): A Mixed Methods Study

The rising prevalence of opioid-related health harms (OHH) Indicates a need to understand the end-of-life needs of people with OHH. Opioid use is associated with increased risks of life-limiting conditions. People with a history of OHH face barriers accessing palliative care including opioids for symptom management. We will explore palliative care, opioid prescribing, and end-of-life outcomes in Ontario.

We will use mixed-methods; Phase 1 will use administrative data to identify differences in palliative care provision, prescribing, and outcomes between people with and without OHH to evaluate relationship between receipt of palliative care with opioid prescribing and outcomes. In Phase 2, we will interview people with OHH, caregivers, and care providers to explore experiences and stigma surrounding palliative care for people with OHH.

Using innovative knowledge translation activities (e.g., art installation, video series), we will impart knowledge, inform research, and generate awareness about people with OHH at the end of life.