The global COVID-19 pandemic has had extensive impacts on the mental health and substance use of Canadians. The healthcare system has rapidly adapted current models of care, primarily through the use of digital health platforms and supports. The availability of digital health resources to support women with addictions or substance use concerns is critical during this time. Current guidelines have highlighted the importance of addiction treatment for women being both gender- and trauma-informed.
This project synthesized current knowledge about digital health resources for addressing substance use concerns, providing:
- A scoping review of addiction-focused digital health resources available worldwide, including their efficacy for adults who have substance use concerns and who identify as women and/or disclose a history of trauma.
- A rating of addiction-focused digital health resources available in Canada, including the degree to which they incorporate principles of gender- and trauma-informed care.
Resources
- Knowledge Synthesis Final Report (PDF)
- Digital Health Resource Directory (PDF)
- Research Snapshot: Digital health solutions to support women with addiction during COVID-19: Applying a gender- and trauma-informed lens
- Checklist: What to look for in a digital health resource (colour, PDF)
- Checklist: What to look for in a digital health resource (black and white, PDF)
- On September 24, 2020 we hosted a webinar on digital health solutions to support women with addictions. Access the webinar slides or view the webinar recording.The webinar featured a panel of experts highlighting:
- Digital health resources that are currently available for supporting women with addictions
- Gaps and limitations of available resources
- The importance of digital health solutions that are both gender and trauma informed
Please note that a third party(s) created these resources. While we are pleased to share these resources with you, they may not be fully accessible.
Project team members
- Lena Quilty, CAMH
- Leslie Buckley, CAMH
- Michelle Coombs, Jean Tweed Centre
- Betty-Lou Kristy, Centre for Innovation in Peer Support, Support House
- Branka Agic, CAMH
- Jill Shakespeare, CAMH
- Adrienne Spafford, Addiction Mental Health Ontario
- Shadini Dematagoda
- Esha Jain
- Alina Patel
- Rebecca Persaud
- Ashley Skillen-Trent
- Reena Besa
- Emma Firsten-Kaufman
Project partners and funders
Project partners:
- The Jean Tweed Centre for Women and their Families
- Centre for Addicition and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Centre for Innovation in Peer Support at Support House
- Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Contact
Lena Quilty
lena.quilty@camh.ca