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Brummer J, Thylstrup B, Melis F, Hesse M. Predictors of retention in heroin-assisted treatment in Denmark 2010-2018 - A record-linkage study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 165:209449. [PMID: 38960145 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While randomized-controlled trials have shown that heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is superior to methadone maintenance alone in treatment of refractory clients, little is known about client factors associated with retention in HAT in routine care. METHODS This retrospective cohort study assessed predictors of retention in first treatment episode among a consecutive cohort of clients admitted to HAT in Denmark from 2010 to 2018, who could be matched to the Danish population register and for whom a Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was available at admission (N = 432). The study derived predictors from client self-reports at intake and administrative data available in national registers. Cox proportional hazards regression modelled retention in treatment. RESULTS The one-year retention rate was 69.63 % (95 % CI 65.06 %-73.74 %), and the median time in treatment was 2.45 years (95 % CI, 1.83-3.12). Bivariate analyses showed that retention was lower for clients who had recent cocaine or benzodiazepine use and among those who had experienced an overdose in the year prior to enrollment in HAT. Age below 40, recent illegal activity, poorer emotional wellbeing, previous residential treatment experience, and previous intensive outpatient treatment were also predictors of dropout from HAT. CONCLUSIONS This observational study found that retention in HAT in routine care was similar to rates observed in randomized-controlled trials conducted in other countries. The results suggest that addressing polysubstance use as part of the HAT program may promote long-term retention, as may directing resources to certain subgroups identified at intake, including clients under 40 years and those who report recent criminal activity, emotional problems, or overdoses. The findings that previous residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment were associated with dropout were unexpected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Brummer
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
| | - Francesca Melis
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Emdrup Campus, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Tuborgvej 164, Building A, 2(nd) Floor, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
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Metcalfe RK, Dobischok S, Bansback N, MacDonald S, Byres D, Lajeunesse J, Harrison S, Koch B, Topping B, Brock T, Foreman J, Schechter M, Oviedo-Joekes E. Client preferences for the design and delivery of injectable opioid agonist treatment services: Results from a best-worst scaling task. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 39054406 DOI: 10.1111/add.16620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Clinical trials support injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) for whom other pharmacological management approaches are not well-suited. However, despite substantial research indicating that person-centered care improves engagement, retention and health outcomes for individuals with OUD, structural requirements (e.g. drug policies) often dictate how iOAT must be delivered, regardless of client preferences. This study aimed to quantify clients' iOAT delivery preferences to improve client engagement and retention. DESIGN Cross-sectional preference elicitation survey. SETTING Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS 124 current and former iOAT clients. MEASUREMENTS Participants completed a demographic questionnaire package and an interviewer-led preference elicitation survey (case 2 best-worst scaling task). Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct preference groups and explore demographic differences between preference groups. FINDINGS Most participants (n = 100; 81%) were current iOAT clients. Latent class analysis identified two distinct groups of client preferences: (1) autonomous decision-makers (n = 73; 59%) and (2) shared decision-makers (n = 51; 41%). These groups had different preferences for how medication type and dosage were selected. Both groups prioritized access to take-home medication (i.e. carries), the ability to set their own schedule, receiving iOAT in a space they like and having other services available at iOAT clinics. Compared with shared decision-makers, fewer autonomous decision-makers identified as a cis-male/man and reported flexible preferences. CONCLUSIONS Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) clients surveyed in Vancouver, Canada, appear to prefer greater autonomy than they currently have in choosing OAT medication type, dosage and treatment schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kathleen Metcalfe
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sophia Dobischok
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Education and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nick Bansback
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Byres
- Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, Providence Crosstown Clinic, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bryce Koch
- Doctor Peter Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Blue Topping
- Downtown Community Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Terry Brock
- Lookout Housing and Health Society, Surrey, Canada
| | - Julie Foreman
- Hope to Health Research and Innovation Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin Schechter
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Kolla G, Pauly B, Cameron F, Hobbs H, Ranger C, McCall J, Majalahti J, Toombs K, LeMaistre J, Selfridge M, Urbanoski K. "If it wasn't for them, I don't think I would be here": experiences of the first year of a safer supply program during the dual public health emergencies of COVID-19 and the drug toxicity crisis. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:111. [PMID: 38849866 PMCID: PMC11157725 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the devastating drug toxicity crisis in Canada driven by an unregulated opioid supply predominantly composed of fentanyl and analogues, safer supply programs have been introduced. These programs provide people using street-acquired opioids with prescribed, pharmaceutical opioids. We use six core components of safer supply programs identified by people who use drugs to explore participant perspectives on the first year of operations of a safer supply program in Victoria, BC, during the dual public health emergencies of COVID-19 and the drug toxicity crisis to examine whether the program met drug-user defined elements of an effective safer supply model. METHODS This study used a community-based participatory research approach to ensure that the research was reflective of community concerns and priorities, rather than being extractive. We interviewed 16 safer supply program participants between December 2020 and June 2021. Analysis was structured using the six core components of effective safer supply from the perspective of people who use drugs, generated through a prior study. RESULTS Ensuring access to the 'right dose and right drugs' of medications was crucial, with many participants reporting success with the available pharmaceutical options. However, others highlighted issues with the strength of the available medications and the lack of options for smokeable medications. Accessing the safer supply program allowed participants to reduce their use of drugs from unregulated markets and manage withdrawal, pain and cravings. On components related to program operations, participants reported receiving compassionate care, and that accessing the safer supply program was a non-stigmatizing experience. They also reported receiving support to find housing, access food, obtain ID, and other needs. However, participants worried about long term program sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Participants in the safer supply program overwhelmingly appreciated it and felt it was lifesaving, and unlike other healthcare or treatment services they had previously accessed. Participants raised concerns that unless a wider variety of medications and ability to consume them by multiple routes of administration became available, safer supply programs would remain unable to completely replace substances from unregulated markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Kolla
- Memorial University, St. John's, Canada.
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | | | - Corey Ranger
- AVI Health and Community Services, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jane McCall
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | - Kim Toombs
- AVI Health and Community Services, Victoria, Canada
| | | | - Marion Selfridge
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Karen Urbanoski
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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Friedmann Z, Kinkel HT, Kühner C, Zsolnai A, Binder A, Mick I. Shaping and shifting schemas on supervised injectable opioid treatment: findings from a cross-sectional qualitative study in two German treatment facilities. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:45. [PMID: 38802962 PMCID: PMC11129426 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supervised injectable opioid treatment (SIOT) is a promising alternative for people living with opioid use disorder (OUD) who have not sufficiently benefitted from oral opioid substitution treatment. Yet, SIOT utilization remains limited in Germany. We propose that this is due to beliefs, or schemas, on SIOT among people living with OUD. Drawing from medical sociology and social psychology, this study explores the emergence and evolution of such schemas on SIOT. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 individuals currently in or eligible for SIOT in two German outpatient treatment facilities and paralleled an inductive qualitative content analysis with the exploration of individual cases. RESULTS The analysis revealed that peer-to-peer interaction and individuals' practical experiences in therapy are crucial in constructing and changing idiosyncratic and shared schemas of SIOT. When facing ambiguous information, cognitive strategies like subtyping served to mitigate uncertainty. CONCLUSION This research has important practical implications for integrating experiential knowledge into clinical care and improve information sharing among people living with OUD. A nuanced understanding of the complex network of informal advice-seeking and -giving among people living with OUD is indispensable to adequately expand treatment modalities of proven effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Friedmann
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hans-Tilmann Kinkel
- Praxiskombinat Neubau, Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin (outpatient clinic for addiction medicine), Ruschestraße 103, 10365, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kühner
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (outpatient clinic for addiction medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Zsolnai
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (outpatient clinic for addiction medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Annette Binder
- Universitätsklinikum Tuebingen, Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung (addiction medicine and addiction research department, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen), Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Inge Mick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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Poulter HL, Moore HJ, Ahmed D, Riley F, Walker T, Harris M. Co-located Heroin Assisted Treatment within primary care: A preliminary analysis of the implications for healthcare access, cost, and treatment delivery in the UK. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 126:104367. [PMID: 38460217 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK is experiencing its highest rate of drug related deaths in 25 years. Poor and inconsistent access to healthcare negatively impacts health outcomes for people who use drugs. Innovation in models of care which promote access and availability of physical treatment is fundamental. Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) is a treatment modality targeted at the most marginalised people who use drugs, at high risk of mortality and morbidity. The first service-provider initiated HAT service in the UK ran between October 2019 and November 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. The service was co-located within a specialist primary care facility offering acute healthcare treatment alongside injectable diamorphine. METHODS Analysis of anonymised health records for healthcare costs (not including drug treatment) took place using descriptive statistics prior and during engagement with HAT, at both three (n=15) and six (n=12) months. Primary outcome measures were incidents of wound care, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), overdose (OD) events, unplanned overnight stays in hospital, treatment engagement (general and within hospital care settings) and ambulance incidents. Secondary outcome measures were costs associated with these events. RESULTS A shift in healthcare access for participants during HAT engagement was observed. HAT service attendance appeared to support health promoting preventative care, and reduce reactive reliance on emergency healthcare systems. At three and six months, engagement for preventative wound care and treatment for SSTIs increased at the practice. Unplanned emergency healthcare interactions for ODs, overnight hospital stays, serious SSTIs, and ambulance incidents reduced, and there was an increase in treatment engagement (i.e. a reduction in appointments which were not engaged with). There was a decrease in treatment engagement in hospital settings. Changes in healthcare utilisation during HAT translated to a reduction in healthcare costs of 58% within six months compared to the same timeframe from the period directly prior to commencing HAT. CONCLUSION This exploratory study highlights the potential for innovative harm reduction interventions such as HAT, co-located with primary care services, to improve healthcare access and engagement for a high-risk population. Increased uptake of primary healthcare services translated to reductions in emergency healthcare use and associated costs. Although costs of HAT provision are substantial, the notable cost-savings in health care should be an important consideration in service implementation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK.
| | - Helen J Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Danny Ahmed
- Clinical Lead Address: Foundations Medical Practice, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4EQ, UK
| | - Fleur Riley
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Tammi Walker
- Durham University, Department of Psychology, England, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, England, UK
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Friedmann Z, Binder A, Kinkel HT, Kühner C, Zsolnai A, Mick I. Exploring Patients' Perceptions on Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment: Influences on Treatment Initiation and Implications for Practice. Eur Addict Res 2023; 30:32-42. [PMID: 38104539 PMCID: PMC10836922 DOI: 10.1159/000535416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) with diacetylmorphine is an effective option for individuals previously considered non-responsive to opioid substitution treatment. Despite implementation in Canada and several European countries, relatively few eligible people choose to initiate iOAT. To better understand what encourages or deters prospective patients from initiating iOAT, the current study explores patients' perceptions on iOAT and how these influence therapy initiation in practice. METHODS We conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with individuals currently in or eligible for iOAT in two German outpatient iOAT clinics. Transcripts were analysed following qualitative content analysis, with development of inductive categories and use of consensual coding. For member checking, we consulted individuals with lived experiences prior to data collection and publication. RESULTS Participants based their choice to initiate iOAT on the perceived implications of the treatment on one's daily life and individual recovery. Participants were encouraged to initiate iOAT due to the therapy's perceived potential in reducing cravings and substance use, its positive health consequences, and due to the image of iOAT as a path towards abstinence. Regarding deterring perceptions, participants feared a profound impairment of daily life due to factors such as the daily visits to the clinic, were concerned about whether iOAT would sufficiently promote or even impede one's recovery, and described negative health effects. CONCLUSION Perceptions found in this study profoundly influenced participants' decisions on iOAT enrolment and contextualize the previous literature. The study reveals the dynamic coexistence of different perceptions about iOAT and sheds light on the inner-group stigmatization of iOAT. Practitioners and future research should acknowledge the complexities found in the current study in order to exploit the full potential of effective treatment modalities such as iOAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Friedmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Binder
- Universitätsklinikum Tuebingen, Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung (Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Department, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Tilmann Kinkel
- Praxiskombinat Neubau, Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kühner
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Zsolnai
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Inge Mick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Friedmann Z, Kinkel HT, Kühner C, Zsolnai A, Mick I, Binder A. Supervised on-site dosing in injectable opioid agonist treatment-considering the patient perspective. Findings from a cross-sectional interview study in two German cities. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:162. [PMID: 37915058 PMCID: PMC10619267 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) is an effective option to support people living with opioid use disorder (OUD) who have not sufficiently benefitted from oral OAT. However, iOAT has been criticised based on theoretical and practical grounds for its dosing policies: Current regulations demand supervised, on-site application and require patients to frequently visit their treatment facility. The current study aims to investigate how patients experience on-site application and derive strategies to enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of iOAT-delivery. METHODS This article is based on semi-structured interviews with 27 individuals currently or previously in iOAT in two German outpatient iOAT-clinics. We undertook an inductive qualitative content analysis, which included blinded, independent coding and the analysis of individual cases. RESULTS Comments regarding on-site application and daily visits to the clinic were grouped into positive and negative aspects, iOAT as the best alternative option, facilitators of daily visits, and suggestions for improvement. Positive aspects took the factors stability and social support in regard. Negative aspects ranged from general inconveniences to major impediments to individuals' daily lives and towards achieving psychosocial goals. Participants reported rigorous adherence to iOAT's treatment regime, often due to a perceived lack of alternative options. Meeting iOAT's demands was eased by the patients' coping-strategies and through facilitating measures implemented by iOAT-clinics. Despite acknowledgement of the potential detriments from easing regulations, take-home arrangements were frequently suggested by participants to improve iOAT. CONCLUSIONS Being required to attend the clinic for supervised iOAT-application is not experienced uniformly. While clinics can support their patients to cope with strict regulations, alternative approaches to iOAT-application should be considered to accommodate patients' individual needs. Examples from other treatment modalities (e.g., remote supervision and delivery services) might aid to reconcile individualisation while providing adequate safety measures and improve iOAT in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Friedmann
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hans-Tilmann Kinkel
- Praxiskombinat Neubau, Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Ruschestraße 103, 10365, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kühner
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Zsolnai
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Suchtmedizin Stuttgart (Outpatient Clinic for Addiction Medicine), Kriegsbergstraße 40, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Inge Mick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Medical University Hospital Charité Berlin), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Binder
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health), Tuebingen, Germany
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Ellefsen R, Wüsthoff LEC, Arnevik EA. Patients' satisfaction with heroin-assisted treatment: a qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:73. [PMID: 37312181 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) involves supervised dispensing of medical heroin (diacetylmorphine) for people with opioid use disorder. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of HAT, but little is known about the self-reported satisfaction among the patients who receive this treatment. This study presents the first empirical findings about the patients' experiences of, and satisfaction with, HAT in the Norwegian context. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews with 26 patients in HAT were carried out one to two months after their enrollment. Analysis sought to identify the main benefits and challenges that the research participants experienced with this treatment. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify the main areas of benefits and challenges. The benefits were weighed against the challenges in order to assess the participants' overall level of treatment satisfaction. RESULTS Analysis identified three different areas of experienced benefits and three areas of challenges of being in this treatment. It outlines how the participants' everyday lives are impacted by being in the treatment and how this, respectively, results from the treatment's medical, relational, or configurational dimensions. We found an overall high level of treatment satisfaction among the participants. The identification of experienced challenges reveals factors that reduce satisfaction and thus may hinder treatment retention and positive treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates a novel approach to qualitatively investigate patients' treatment satisfaction across different treatment dimensions. The findings have implications for clinical practice by pointing out key factors that inhibit and facilitate patients' satisfaction with HAT. The identified importance of the socio-environmental factors and relational aspect of the treatment has further implications for the provision of opioid agonist treatment in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Ellefsen
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Linda Elise Couëssurel Wüsthoff
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, PO Box 1039 Blindern, 0315, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Ajo Arnevik
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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