Harm reduction in nursing practice
Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs without necessarily reducing drug consumption. Harm reduction practices are fundamental competencies for all nurses upon entry-to-practice.
CNO recognizes that nurses incorporate principles of harm reduction with respect to substance use and misuse into plans of care in the context of a comprehensive treatment plan or as a standalone harm reduction strategy. These practices enable nurses to take action and support better outcomes by providing the necessary client-centred care.
CNO encourages nurses to seek out and use the best available evidence to inform their practice. There may be situations where nurses cannot provide optimal client care due to circumstances beyond their control. These situations often need to be resolved using a systems approach. It is important to remember that, even in situations where nurses cannot provide optimal client care (such as working with limited resources or increased client load), they remain accountable to the Code of Conduct.
As with all nursing care, nurses must use their knowledge, skill and judgment, taking into account the client’s safety and unique needs. CNO is committed to protecting the public by supporting nurses in maintaining their accountability toward their continuing competence within each of their individual practice settings.
The opioid crisis
CNO recognizes and acknowledges the devastating impact of the opioid crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the crisis and street supply has become progressively more harmful, leading to an increase in opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
Nurses provide critical support to individuals impacted by this crisis. They are practicing in emerging and alternative areas of care to reduce risk, improve health and connect individuals with key health and social services.
You can use the resources on this page to support your harm reduction practices.
Harm reduction resources and references
CNO supports safe nursing practice through sharing evidence-informed resources to help nurses make clinical decisions and ensure patients receive safe, effective and ethical care.
Use your clinical judgment to decide which sources of information are most appropriate to inform your nursing practice, according to the individual care needs of each patient, the appropriateness of the nursing practice and the practice environment you are working in.
Connexontario
To find a withdrawal management centre in your community, call 1 800 565-8603
Government Of Canada – Health Canada
Canadian Research Initiative In Substance Misuse (CRISM)
Health Quality Ontario
Ontario Ministry Of Health