UPFRONT | News and events RESPONDING TO THE OPIOID CRISIS Introducing the role of chiropractic in opioid use reduction From March 2020 to April 2021, there were over 6,900 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in Canada and over 75,600 in the United States, the highest annual toll on record. In response to the opioid toxicity death toll, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) developed an online course to help practitioners safeguard pa-tients’ health and foster collabora-tion with prescribing professionals in managing, reducing, or eliminat-ing opioid dependency. Chronic pain often requires multiple approaches. Recognizing the high-contact role that chiro-practors and other manual thera-pists may have with chronic pain patients, this continuing education course is a guide to identifying and managing issues through collabo-rative relationships with other health care providers and patient dialogue. Using 3D character animation, the course illustrates identifiable patterns and suggests optimal scenarios in engaging patients and their health care providers. It sup-ports the significant conversations between patients and their provid-ers that lead to optimal outcomes. “This course provides the most current information about opioids and tools to recognize and address suspected opioid intoxication and misuse,” says Dr. Cuong Ngo-Minh, course co-author and physician at Ottawa’s Somerset West Community Health Centre. This new online educational re-source will help chiropractors and other manual therapists increase their competency in case outreach, facilitate communication with other health care professionals, and pro-vide quality of care to patients who suffer from chronic pain. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Feedback from the Jan-Feb 2022 edition Re: “Dr. Volunteer: The truth about chiropractors in pro sports” In one of our recent issues, CND published Dr. An-thony Lombardi’s column about chiropractors in pro sports. The RCCSS(C) and the Board of Directors would like to clarify some points about Chiropractors in Sport in Canada. A chiropractic specialty is recognized by The Federation of Canadian Chiropractic (FCC) in the areas of sports sciences, orthopedics, radiology, physical rehabilitation and clinical sciences. A chiropractic specialist is someone who has attained post-graduate qualifi-cations in one or more areas of chiropractic specialties and are acknowledged as a Fellow. These programs include written and practical requirements, as well as a comprehensive Fel-lowship examination. The Chiropractic Sports Sciences specialty has been an influen-tial part of Canada’s sports health care community since 1984. The Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) (RCCSS(C)) ex-ists now as the largest post-graduate organization for chiropractic sports sciences in the world and is an equal player in Canada’s sports medicine system. Furthermore, it has become the key provider for political and inter-profes-sional relationships for the Canadian Chiropractic Asso-ciation with the various sport communities both in Canada and internationally. As the recognized chiropractic sport specialty in Canada, the RCCSS(C) has numerous Fellows involved in formal (paid) leadership/therapist roles with Canadian (Olym-pic) National Sport Organi-zations (NSOs) and profes-sional leagues in North America. Those who pursue specialist education and train-ing do so because they wish to elevate their knowledge, capa-bility and collaborative sensi-bilities to the highest level for the benefit of the athletes who receive their care. We don’t be-lieve any of the Chiropractors interviewed had their FRCCSS(C) and furthermore it is not accurate to suggest the CCSP is equivalent to an FRCCSS(C). While fair compensation re-mains an interesting topic to discuss, sport specialists in Canada also have a great re-sponsibility as experts for health policy/advocacy, research, and leadership which obviously go beyond simple remuneration. The RCCSS(C) is at the fore-front of sports medicine in Canada and sits at the table with influential organizations and stakeholders to ensure that athletes have access to sports chiropractic care while our members work together to im-prove fair compensation strate-gies for the collective. “It’s common knowledge that chiropractors can improve their patient’s level of functioning. This program also underscores the important role they can play in preventing the addictive spiral that can occur with opioid use and helps them to appreciate their role in the multidisciplinary care of patients,” explains Dr. David Wickes, President, CMCC. Interactive simulation and learning assessments are used in the four chapters of the course, titled The Role of Chiropractic in Opioid Use Reduction: • Chiropractic and Pain Management • Opioid Facts • Performing Case Outreach with Other Health Professionals • Communicating with Other Health Professionals “This course is a key component of our comprehensive resources within the OCA Opioid and Pain Reduction Collaborative,” says Caroline Brereton, CEO, OCA. “We’re proud to work with CMCC to have a significant impact on many lives.” This practical course was devel-oped by CMCC, an international leader in academic scholarship and training. It was produced in partnership with the OCA, which represents 80 per cent of Ontario chiropractors and is a leader in finding practical solutions to ad-dress the opioid crisis. Keep up to date with Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor on LinkedIn – search our page today! 6 Chiropractic and Naturopathic Doctor May/June 2022 www.Cndoctor.ca
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