Opioid Prescribing

The Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program (NSPMP) provides real-time data that tracks prescribing and identifies areas for improvement. It supports better and safer prescribing through many stakeholders, including physicians, pharmacists, researchers, and even law enforcement.

The number of new patients receiving first-time prescriptions of opioids prescribed by physicians has reduced by almost 11 percent. The average filled quantity on tablet prescriptions has also reduced by approximately 30 percent.

The total volume of dispensed morphine equivalents prescribed by physicians has gone down 20 percent over a two-year period ending in 2019. Over the same period of time, the number of patients receiving opioid replacement therapy (methadone or buprenorphine) has increased by 16 percent. The number of new patients receiving first-time prescriptions of opioids prescribed by physicians has reduced by almost 11 percent. The average filled quantity on tablet prescriptions has also reduced by approximately 30 percent.

In collaboration with the College, the NSPMP has identified a number of priorities. Work continues on the first prescription initiative as well as on the difficult issues associated with concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine usage. To help inform recommendations on the future direction of NSPMP a data analysis and a literature review were completed. Expert reviews were conducted engaging multiple healthcare professionals (researchers, prescribers, and pharmacists) from across the province to inform best practice approaches on assessment and potential interventions related to the first prescription initiative and benzodiazepines.

In addition, NSPMP began drug utilization reviews on benzodiazepines. Ongoing monitoring continues to expand with focus on benzodiazepine and opioid usage, combinations that pose increased risk for patient and public safety in Nova Scotia.