The ODPRN’s novel collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Drugs and Devices Division has allowed for a wide breadth of work to meet the needs of decision-makers. This work ranges from large drug class reviews to distinct rapid response projects that have answered a wide breadth of questions related, but not limited to, drug safety and effectiveness, drug utilization, and access to medications.
Click the tabs below to learn more about our work within each research priority
Opioid and Substance-Related Research
Opioids are a group of prescription drugs used to treat pain conditions; however the efficacy and safety of their use in treating chronic non-cancer pain has been widely questioned due to a lack of long-term studies, the availability of various opioid types and potencies on the market, and uncertainty on appropriate dosing. Given that Canada and the United States have the highest per capita consumption of opioids worldwide, this area requires further evidence. Alcohol and drug toxicities are also a major concern in Canada and globally as substance toxicity deaths have increased and polysubstance use complicates substance toxicity responses, resulting in higher fatality rates.
The ODPRN has conducted several population-based studies on the safe and appropriate use of opioids and other substances in Ontario by investigating the overall trends and geographic variation in opioid prescribing as well as opioid and substance-related deaths, and the impact of policy and education interventions on important patient outcomes.
Indigenous health research
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is presently engaged in a collaborative effort with researchers from ICES and the ODPRN through research grants. This initiative aims to investigate the utilization of opioids and the associated negative effects among individuals belonging to the First Nations communities in Ontario.
The research initiative focuses on various aspects related to opioid use among First Nations individuals in Ontario. It aims to consider factors such as geographic variations, mental health diagnoses, healthcare access, age, gender, and comparisons to the general population. Furthermore, the project seeks to establish effective methods for transferring knowledge to the communities involved.
Drug Policy and Evaluation
The ODPRN has conducted multiple studies that have both informed and evaluated the impact of drug policies in Ontario, and more broadly across Canada. This research includes a wide breadth of work ranging from large drug class reviews to specific rapid response projects resulting from decision makers’ pressing initiatives.
Drug Safety and Effectiveness
Pharmacovigilance research is imperative in informing better pharmaceutical practice, policy and treatment related to drug safety and effectiveness. The ODPRN has conducted multiple studies evaluating the real-world comparative effectiveness of drug therapies, drug-drug interactions, and potential adverse events associated with numerous drugs.
Drug Formulary Modernization
Drug formulary modernization involves the enhancement and refinement of the management and utilization of drug formularies within healthcare systems or organizations. Our aim is to provide healthcare experts, policymakers, researchers, and the general public the information necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of drug policy.
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COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic placed sustained pressure on Canada’s healthcare system and resources, including prescription drugs. In line with the ODPRN’s goal of being a leader in generating high-quality, relevant, and timely research of interest to clinicians, policy-makers, academics, and the general public, the ODPRN conducted several projects examining the impacts of COVID-19 on medication use and drug safety.