Prescribing opioid agonist treatment in primary care: Narratives of primary care providers in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the perspectives and experiences of physicians and nurse practitioners who prescribe opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in primary care. This qualitative study sought to understand the perspectives and experiences of providers prescribing OAT in Nova Scotia. Data were collected through eight one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. For this narrative inquiry, data were analyzed using paradigmatic analysis. Analysis identified key influences on the decision to prescribe OAT, such as an interest in prescribing OAT, a need for access to OAT, proximity to mentors, work expectations, and peer support. Participants described how they prepared to prescribe OAT, the positive aspects of prescribing, what made it difficult to prescribe and what facilitated OAT prescribing. Participants identified key recommendations to help support OAT prescribing, such as incorporating substance use education and training into medical and nursing curricula. Findings highlight some measures to help support prescribing OAT.