Recent Research from the ODPRN

Journal Articles

Opioid-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic across nine Canadian provinces and territories

This study describes trends in premature opioid-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic across nine Canadian provinces and territories.

April 15, 2024


Opioid Toxicity and Access to Treatment among Adolescents and Young Adults in Ontario

This study examined opioid toxicity deaths among adolescents and young adults in Ontario, Canada, prior to and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 9, 2024


Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists and the risk of hospitalization or death in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19

This study examined the association between alpha-1 antagonist exposure and the 30-day risk of hospitalization (hospital admission or emergency department visit) or death in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

April 4, 2024


Trends in opioid toxicities among people with and without opioid use disorder and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada

This study examined the trends in opioid toxicities overall and among people with and without OUD as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related state of emergency on opioid toxicities.

March 23, 2024

Public Reports and Tools

Opioid-Related Toxicity Deaths Within Ontario Shelters: Circumstances of Death and Prior Medication & Healthcare Use

This study describes the demographic characteristics, circumstances surrounding death, and types of healthcare encounters prior to opioid-related toxicity deaths within Ontario shelters.

June 18, 2024


COVID-19 Ontario Prescription Drug Utilization Tool (March 2024 Update)

This tool provides public access to interactive data on drug utilization in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. This update includes data up to December 2023.

March 26, 2024


Town Hall on Hospital Experiences Among People Who Use Drugs

This town hall identified gaps and opportunities for improvement in the healthcare system that can be used by researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to help enhance the experiences and health outcomes of people who use drugs when accessing hospital-based care. Read the report and listen to the audio clips from 6 of the individuals who shared live.

March 21, 2024


Prescribing patterns, substance use disorder diagnoses, and access to treatment prior to substance-related toxicity deaths in Ontario

This joint report by the ODPRN and Public Health Ontario describes prior prescribing patterns, previous substance use diagnoses, non-fatal substance-related toxicities and access to treatment(s) prior to accidental substance-related toxicity deaths involving opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants and/or alcohol in Ontario between January 2018 and June 2022.

March 5, 2024


Additional Resources

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