About this opportunity
Position Type: Patient Engagement
A Nova Scotia researcher is looking for two Patient/Public Partners with lived experience of opioid related harm that stemmed from starting opioids in the hospital.
The research is aimed at minimizing opioid related harm while improving or maintaining pain control in patients with acute pain in the acute care setting in Nova Scotia. The overall aim of this work is to make a difference for patients, so the most important part of this is understanding the patient’s perspective. What are the important research questions to ask, what outcomes are valued? What information is important to know and would make a difference? I am seeking patient partners who would be willing to be co-investigators in this research program. The opportunity includes being part of building the project together and continuing to be engaged as the program of research develops.
Eligibility:
- Individuals who were started on opioids in the hospital for acute pain and experienced an adverse effect from opioids. The adverse effect could be as severe as a respiratory arrest or
- Individuals who were started on opioids related to acute pain (e.g., surgery or an injury). That initial pain or injury is now resolved and you have developed chronic pain and are a persistent user of opioids or
- Individuals who have developed opioid use disorder after first being exposed to opioids in hospital.
- Must live in Nova Scotia.
Time commitment:
The time commitment is flexible and dependent on desired level of engagement. It could be a longitudinal relationship over three to five years and consist of about eight hours per month, including preparation and meeting time. However, if the Patient/Public Partner prefers a more consultative role, the time could be reduced to about four hours per month.