No, the implementation was very limited. A lot of prescribers chose to not prescribe, and many of those who did chose to add it on to OAT, as opposed to offering it as a distinct option. It was primarily prescribers located in Vancouver and Victoria who prescribed these RMG medications, at least in the first 18 months. These prescribers served larger and more severe caseloads of people with substance-use disorders. Nurse prescribers participated as well. Prescribers with a background in psychiatry were less likely to participate. Already, by the end of our study period, by August 2021, we saw prescriptions start to dissipate.
With respect to our qualitative research, I'll highlight that I work with a range of investigators from UVic and the BC Centre for Disease Control. A qualitative study from our team highlighted barriers to access in rural regions, criminalization and indication that the substances prescribed were, in many cases, insufficient and didn't entirely eliminate reliance on the drug supply.