Collaborative Mentorship Network for Chronic Pain and Addiction

The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP), with the support of a Health Canada Substance Use and Chronic Pain program grant, established the Collaborative Mentorship Network (CMN) for Chronic Pain and Addiction to connect healthcare providers that treat and support patients with chronic pain and/or substance use disorders in Alberta. The CMN aims to provide access to mentors, evidence-based tools and resources, and knowledge translation opportunities. The CMN is funded by Health Canada from June 2020 to July 2023.

Over the past fiscal year (April 1, 2021- March 31, 2022), the CMN provided learning activities and educational opportunities to improve three main areas: (1) self reported practice outcomes, (2) CMN educational programs, and (3) effectiveness of the mentorship program.

The CMN contracted a third-party evaluation consulting agency to survey and interview members about the effectiveness of the CMN resources at enhancing their knowledge, increasing their confidence, and improving their practice in chronic pain and substance use. Satisfaction with the CMN communications was also assessed. Finally, members in formal mentoring relationships were asked to provide feedback on the program’s utility and provided recommendations to improve their mentoring experiences.

The findings presented in the report are drawn from the annual CMN (2021/22) member survey and interviews conducted from January to February 2022. The survey response rate was 29% (N= 313, n=90). Nine interviews were conducted with members from a variety of health disciplines, including, Family Physicians, Pharmacists, Nurses, and mental and social health care providers.

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