The recommendations in this guideline should be considered applicable and relevant to the general adult patient population; however, there are additional considerations when working with specific patient populations. This section provides strategies for working with the following patient populations: Indigenous peoples, 2S/LGBTQQIA+ populations, and people in safety-sensitive positions, as well as sex/gender considerations, and referrals to guidance for the treatment of pregnant people, youth, and older adults, and individuals in correctional settings with OUD. This section is not intended to provide prescriptive clinical practice guidance for management of OUD in these patient populations, rather, it provides an overview of general considerations for establishing positive partnerships and providing patient-centred, safe, and effective care. Links to online resources have been provided where available.

Prescribers and allied health providers are encouraged to connect with an addiction medicine specialist for advice and guidance on complex cases. The Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) line connects physicians and nurse practitioners with an addiction specialist (Vancouver area: 604-696-2131; toll-free: 1-877-696-2131; Monday to Friday, 0800-1700). The 24/7 Addiction Medicine Clinician Support Line (778-945-7619) provides telephone consultation to physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists who are involved in addiction and substance use care and treatment in BC and to any frontline service provider working in Indigenous communities in BC, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year to provide rapid response for time sensitive clinical inquiries.