Keywords

Buprenorphine, nurse practitioner, opioid, opioid agonist therapy, prison, telehealth

 

Authors

  1. McIntyre, Jessica L. RN, MN, BSc

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Presented is a case report of a young man dependent on fentanyl who did not receive opioid agonist therapy (OAT) during incarceration. Highlighted are the barriers to accessing OAT in custody, which exacerbates problems with drug-seeking behavior, diversion, and recidivism. Discussed are the implications for correctional healthcare, including the benefits of utilizing telehealth services to maximize accessibility to OAT in correctional institutions that will not only enhance the quality of patient care but also address the growing opioid epidemic across Canada.