Develop the FSM National Guidelines for the Opioid Prescription in Chronic Pain

BACKGROUND

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs (FSM) has made some progress towards improved opioid prescription practices at National and State level, with a focus on promoting rational drug use and protect the public from misuse and opioid dependency.

FSM doesn’t have any guideline for opioid prescription in place and the FSM DSHA is interested in developing one intended for prescribers, physicians, and other healthcare providers as a general guide when prescribing, dispensing and/or administering opioid products.

DHSA has requested support to WHO in the recruitment of technical assistance to draft the FSM National guidelines for Opioid Prescription for Chronic Pain

 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To provide technical assistance to the Government of FSM in their efforts to develop the FSM National Guidelines for the Opioid Prescription in Chronic Pain and facilitate consultation among various stakeholders for its endorsement.

 

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output 1: Assessment of the regulatory framework:

Deliverable 1.1: Initial assessment report on the legislative and regulatory framework for prescription and rational use of opioid products in FSM;

Output 2: Assessment of current opioid prescription practices and use

Deliverable 2.1: Assessment report from with analysis of availability of opioid products and current prescription and dispensing practices

Output 3:  Scoping and drafting of National Guidelines

Deliverable 3.1: Propose scope and develop draft version of guidelines for rational prescription of opioids for Chronic Pain for consultation with stakeholders

Output 4: Final version of National Guidelines

Deliverable 4.1: Finalize and produce final version of the FMS National Guidelines on Opioid Prescription for Chronic Pain after all review and consultations with stakeholders and technical partners. 

 

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The selected consultant is expected to work with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers at National and State level, under the supervision of WHO Country Liaison Office in FSM and in collaboration with WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) in Fiji to carry out:

• • Desk review of pertaining legislation and regulation, policies and guidelines, etc. relevant to pain management and controlled substances to ensure the guidelines are in line with the current regulatory framework;
• • Review of any treatment guidelines and references on pain management currently used in FSM from other authorities such as US-CDC, etc.;
• • Consult with healthcare providers in charge of prescribing and dispensing opioid products at FSM States’ hospitals and private clinics, DHSA directors and coordinators at State Level and other relevant staff at the DHSA to obtain information on current pain management treatment practices, opioid prescription practices, availability of opioid products, etc.;
• • In discussion with DHSA, WHO and stakeholders, define an appropriate scope for the drafting of the guidelines for rational prescription and use of opioids while preventing harm from non-medical uses and dependence. (i.e. inclusion of administrative practices, inclusion of recommendation on prevention and management of opioid dependency);
• • Develop a draft for consultation for the FSM National Prescription Guideline of Opioids for Chronic Pain

The contractor will follow technical guidance from WHO Country Liaison Office in FSM and WHO DPS in Suva, Fiji. The contractor shall work closely with the relevant government institutions and partners in countries.

Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:       

• 1. Eva Mata - technical officer, Pacific Health Systems, WHO DPS
• 2. Semenson Ehpel – Health Systems Coordination, WHO CLO Federated States of Micronesia

Manager:           

• Dr Momoe Takeuchi – WHO Country Liaison Officer, Federated States of Micronesia

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education                                      

Essential: University degree in pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, nursing, or relevant health discipline with postgraduate degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.

Desirable: Postgraduate qualification (MsC or PhD) in Public Health, Pharmaceutical Policy or Access to Medicines.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of seven years of experience, at national and international levels, in the field of public health and regulation of medical products, with previous experience drafting national medicines policies and treatment guidelines with focus on controlled medicines.

Desirable: Previous working experience in controlled medicines in Low and Middle Income Countries and/or Pacific Islands Countries.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge

Experience conducting assessment studies in low- and middle-income countries

Good interpersonal skills and capable of facilitating discussion and teamwork

Good analytical thinking and writing skills

Language requirements

Fluent in English

Competencies

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Fostering integration and teamwork
• • Knowing and managing yourself

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Place of assignment

Home based

Medical clearance

The consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel

The consultant might need to travel to FSM for in-country consultation, once Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Contract duration

13 June – 14 October 2022

 

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 2 June 2022

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 174492 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

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