Jessica Moe, an emergency physician at Vancouver General Hospital, is anchoring exciting, cutting edge research. Her work could fundamentally change how we treat people with opioid addiction. Dr. Moe, the Canada Research Chair in Emergency Response to the Opioid Overdose Crisis, is spearheading an important study using microdosing Suboxone. This new drug, used properly, can give patients the opportunity to manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings far better.
This study is the first randomized clinical trial to compare microdosing with traditional approaches for initiating treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone. Most importantly, it seeks to assess the effectiveness and durability of these treatments and their outcomes over time. Done at Vancouver General Hospital, the study is expected to wrap up in 2027 and it has already enrolled nearly 400 participants.
Addressing Barriers to Treatment
Indeed, fear of withdrawal is still one of the most important barriers for those who don’t seek treatment for opioid use disorder. As patients increasingly rely on telehealth, innovative solutions will be crucial in getting patients the care they need, according to Dr. Moe.
“Fear of withdrawal can be a major barrier to accessing treatment,” said Dr. Moe.
Her research investigates microdosing as a new method. It works with extremely low starting doses of medication that increase over time, allowing patients to avert uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms before beginning treatment.
Dr. Moe’s research is aimed at using emergency departments to facilitate targeted screening for opioid use disorder. She argues that these settings can be a key ingredient in reaching people who would never otherwise go looking for help.
“The emergency department can be that critical place, and moment, where outreach can be successful,” she noted.
Positive Outcomes and Patient Feedback
The first findings from Dr. Moe’s study are extremely promising. Patients have experienced significant positive changes in their quality of life. They are now being denied jobs and housing, but reconnecting with friends and family. Dr. Moe keeps feedback from her patients nearby to remind her of the impact her work has on their lives.
“Their words are what inspire us,” she stated.
Dr. Moe wants you to understand just how effective buprenorphine-naloxone is. He cites strong evidence that it has the ability both to curb cravings and to avoid overdose deaths.
“There is good evidence to support the effectiveness of buprenorphine-naloxone. It’s known to reduce cravings and prevent death. It’s an effective treatment,” she explained.
Aiming for National Impact
Dr. Moe’s ultimate goal is to influence national guidelines for treating opioid use disorder based on her study’s findings. She believes that by shaping future practices, healthcare providers can offer better support and treatment options for those affected by opioid addiction.
“It is imperative that we find new and innovative ways to connect people to care and improve their access to life-saving treatment,” Dr. Moe concluded.
Dr. Moe continues her award-winning research at Vancouver General Hospital. Her successful efforts will result in smarter, more effective strategies for responsibly managing the opioid crisis, saving lives and restoring hope to communities devastated by addiction.
