This list is designed to help primary health care & clinical care providers assess and discuss with persons aged 65 or older, the potential risks and benefits of opioid use. It also contains information on how to support primary care providers in safely discontinuing or managing opioid use.

Prevention

Preventing Opioid Overdose

Information on preventing opioid overdose
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Suggested Opioid Prescribing Flowchart
Patient Care Link

Opioid Manager
Centre for Effective Practice

Screening

Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (CNCP) Management in the Elderly
Pain Management in Older Adults
Information on suggested opioid prescribing
Rx Files

Assessment and Management of Pain in the Elderly
A free self-directed learning package for nurses in long-term care on assessment and management of pain in the elderly
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario

Treatment

Non-Opioid Options for Managing Pain
Information to help support decisions about managing pain
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

You May Be At Risk If You Are Taking Opioids/Narcotics for Chronic Pain
Information to help support decisions about managing pain
Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal

Opioid Tapering Flow Sheet
Information on tapering opioids
Oregon Pain Guidance

Management of Opioid Use Disorders: A National Clinical Practice Guideline
Opioid use disorder treatment flow diagram
Canadian Medical Association

[updated May 11, 2020]