An empowered recovery at the Virtual Health Addiction Clinic
Originally posted on The Beat on November 28, 2024.
Submitted by Katheryna Khong, senior business analyst, IMIT Learning Services
Fraser Health’s Virtual Health Addiction Clinic (VHAC) provides virtual addiction medicine in-reach to 22 acute sites for admitted patients requiring management of opioid use disorder.
S.H. is a patient who experiences substance use withdrawal and was skeptical but hopeful after being referred to Virtual Health Addiction Clinic (VHAC). She now shares how trusting VHAC became a pivotal moment in her journey toward recovery.
From her very first interaction with the VHAC team, S.H. felt an overwhelming sense of support from its person-centred approach. “It was very enlightening,” she says. During her consultation, S.H. spoke with an addiction medicine physician who clearly articulated her medication treatment options. This made a significant difference in managing her withdrawal symptoms, opening up a path she hadn’t known existed.
Receiving care virtually was significant for S.H. "Appointments were quick and easy to get," she explains. The doctors made her feel comfortable and free from judgment, and she felt better able to share her concerns without pressure she often felt in traditional settings. In addition, she appreciated how easy it was to access addiction care.
“Individuals who use substances often face difficulty in accessing help for managing substance use while they are hospitalized,” says Dr. Sarah Mark, co-program medical director for the Department of Addiction Medicine and Substance Use, and a VHAC physician. “Our hope is that VHAC allows patients to expect good addiction care no matter which hospital they present to.”
The impact of VHAC on S.H.'s health and lifestyle was profound. The clinic helped her effectively manage her withdrawal symptoms, something that had not happened in her previous care. "My hospital experience improved 100 per cent," she shares.
With newfound clarity, S.H. began looking ahead with hope. She learned to advocate for herself and gained a deeper understanding of her medications and treatment options.
For S.H., VHAC was not just a clinic – it was a lifeline. She wholeheartedly recommends the clinic to anyone struggling with addiction. "They hear you and don’t judge you," she says. “The clinic’s compassionate approach means that patients are met with understanding and support.”
Emergency physician Dr. Martin Nobar highlights VHAC's essential role in providing expedited consultations. "It allows for faster access to addiction medicine," he says, noting how the clinic helps reduce the need for hospital admissions.
Dr. Elizabeth Lee, another emergency physician, echoes this, stating that VHAC enables her to serve patients diagnosed with substance use disorders more effectively. Routine follow-ups provided by VHAC ensure that patients receive continuous support and enhanced treatment outcomes.
S.H.’s story is one of many that show the transformative power of the Virtual Health Addiction Clinic. With its compassionate care and innovative approach, VHAC is creating a more hopeful future for those seeking care.
