Methadone4Pain.ca is a free, one-hour online course for physicians wishing to improve their knowledge and develop core competencies in methadone prescribing for pain management in palliative care. This course will also be of interest to pharmacists and nurses who care for patients who have been prescribed methadone.
“I think it’s important that more physicians be able to prescribe methadone because there are certain pain circumstances where it provides almost a remarkable unique benefit,” said Dr. Mike Harlos Medical Director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Palliative Care Team, who co-led the development team with colleague Dr. Pippa Hawley of the University of British Columbia.
Methadone is a proven, cost-effective pain control alternative. It is particularly useful in cases of opioid intolerance. It can improve outcomes for palliative patients wishing to remain at home. Methadone is a federally regulated drug; a special exemption license is required to prescribe Methadone. As a result there is a lack of physicians who can prescribe Methadone.
This self-directed course includes three modules:
- Introduction and Indications for Methadone
- Initiation for Analgesia
- Safety and Support for Physicians and Patients
Physicians can work through the modules at their own pace from the comfort of their home or office. Methadone4Pain.ca has been approved for 1 hour MainPro-M1 credits and as a Royal College Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1).
For more information, visit Methadone4Pain.ca or contact:
Marissa Ambalina, Communications Consultant
June 3, 2016