Providing Effective and Compassionate Health Care to People Who Use Drugs

Attendees will:

1. Learn the basics of Primary Health Care provision with People Who Use Drugs (PWUD);

• a. Acute health issues
• b. Chronic health issues – strategies for continuity of care/follow up care, infectious diseases
• c. Preventive health care
• i. Incorporating preventive care and risk based screening
• ii. Vein health maintenance
• iii. Access to basic needs (water, bathrooms, food, laundry, showers) as health care intervention
• d. Supporting care in acute settings
• i. Strategies to improve care/retention in care in hospital settings

2. Learn about the developmental and neurobiological origins of problematic substance use;

3. Learn about the basic principles and applications of Harm Reduction in health care settings;

4. Gain an understanding of how Trauma-informed Care principles support the provision of compassionate care;

5. Understand the burden of stigma experienced by PWUD seeking health care in Peterborough.