What is the POETIC Network?
Networks and community are critical to producing impactful research. We are thrilled to introduce the new POETIC Research Network website, launched in August 2024.
The POETIC (Perinatal Opioid Exposures, Trajectories, Insights, and Concentrations) Research Network—is a pan-Canadian initiative formed in 2022 with the goal of addressing the growing health challenges associated with substance use during pregnancy, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health, the POETIC Network brings together more than 40 clinical and scientific experts from across the country, alongside a Patient Advisory Committee of individuals from across Canada with lived and living experience.
POETIC’s current research initiatives focus on addressing critical knowledge gaps through a pilot study that examines clinical, environmental, pharmacological, and genetic factors associated with NOWS. This foundational work is vital to developing effective, evidence-based strategies for improving the health outcomes of infants and families affected by opioid use in pregnancy. From 2025 to 2028, POETIC will lay the groundwork for a larger pan-Canadian cohort study that will provide crucial insights to guide healthcare teams in tailoring pharmacologic management of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) during pregnancy. This research is especially important as it will not only inform Canadian healthcare practices but also contribute to global efforts in managing perinatal opioid exposures and improving family health outcomes.
We spoke with Dr. Charissa Patricelli, the Principal Investigator for the POETIC Network and Shanlea Gordon, the Research Manager for FIR. They provided some insights on the project and how our community can get involved:
Questions:
What prompted the creation of the POETIC Network Website?
The POETIC Network website was created to highlight the team’s work, which is focused on improving outcomes related to opioid use in pregnancy. The site was co-created with POETIC Co-Investigator and Matriarch Elder Roberta Price, and the POETIC Patient Advisory Committee. The website showcases the network’s research, related tools and education, and facilitates critical knowledge sharing for both healthcare professionals and individuals with lived and living experience. Additionally, the POETIC website seeks to engage other healthcare professionals, scientists and trainees working in the field of perinatal substance use, by inviting others to connect with the POETIC team and join the network.
What were some of the key enablers for launching the project?
- Considerations for audience
- Considerations for people with lived experience using the website / involvement in co-creation
- Consideration for sustainability
Establishing the POETIC Network: Key Partnerships and Collaborators
The successful launch of the POETIC Network was enabled by several factors. Perinatal substance use is an understudied field, with many passionate healthcare providers and scientists often working in silos to advance this work across the country. Building and fostering relationships with these passionate individuals across the country looking to advance evidence-based care was critical to the establishment of the POETIC Network. Partnerships with our funders and collaborators, including: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Indigenous Peoples Health (CIHR-IIPH), the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), The Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network (MICYRN), the BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF), and Telus, were necessary for the establishment and launch of the POETIC Network and website.
Importantly, the POETIC Network is co-lead by and co-created with our Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) – a group of 6 dedicated individuals from across Canada with lived and living experience with perinatal substance use. The PAC – co-chaired by Matriarch Elder Roberta Price, and research manager Shanlea Gordon – wanted a team website with photos and titles of the POETIC members, and an accessible space where individuals impacted by perinatal substance use can visit for information and resources.
The PAC supported the drafting of all written messaging on the website, and selected each photo depicted. The POETIC Network team is currently waiting to hear back from CIHR regarding additional funding to support a multi-site observational cohort study, which includes the establishment of Canada’s first perinatal substance use biobank with breast/chestmilk, plasma, and DNA. If successful with this funding, this will ensure the sustainability of the network through to the end of 2028.
What can people expect when they visit the website?
Visitors can expect access to the latest research findings and lay summaries related to perinatal substance use and opioid exposures in Canada, related tools and resources, learn more about the POETIC Network team and project goals, and contact information for collaborative opportunities.
Can you share some lessons learned during the development of the POETIC Network and website?
Ensuring adequate time for the co-creation of the website was critical; this involved several rounds of drafting and redrafting content, and multiple meetings with the POETIC PAC and Executive committee to ensure the content was inclusive, relevant, and culturally safe. Additionally, we were very pleased with the decision to build an external website with support and expertise from the MICYRN team, and would recommend utilizing their services to all research teams. Working with Jess and Zina from MICYRN, we were able to significantly improve the site’s visual appeal and functionality, ensuring an engaging, user-friendly platform for both healthcare providers and individuals with lived and living experience.
How can the WHRI get involved?
Folks interested in learning more about the POETIC Network or MICYRN’s services relevant to website builds and knowledge translation can contact FIR Research Manager, Shanlea Gordon, at shanlea.gordon@bcchr.ca.
** Please email me any photos from the network that we could add to the webstory!
Email: olivia.patrick@cw.bc.ca, nicole.prestley@cw.bc.ca, whri.communications@cw.bc.ca, or reply all to the thread.
