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Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2016 | Original Article

Community pharmacy-based opiate substitution treatment and related health services: a study of 508 patients and 111 pharmacies

Authors: Amanda Laird, Carole Hunter, Colette Montgomery Sardar, Niamh M. Fitzgerald, Richard Lowrie

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

Background and aims

Community pharmacies have a central role in the provision of opiate substitution therapy (OST) for drug misusers, offering accessible, additional health services within recovery-oriented systems of care. However, little is known about the patients receiving OST, availability and uptake of related services and associated pharmacy characteristics. We aimed to describe OST in terms of patients, pharmacies and services within the UK’s largest health authority, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland.

Methods

Patients completed semi-structured questionnaires and pharmacists provided summary statistics relating to OST provision.

Results

Responses from 508 patients receiving OST from 111 participating pharmacies revealed an established patient population, with 89 % (449/507) aged 30 years or above and 80 % (387/484) attending the same pharmacy for 1 year or more. Methadone was the main form of OST (96 % (487/508), with 97 % (491/504) receiving supervision. Within pharmacies, OST consumption was supervised in one of four main areas: consultation room, dispensing hatch, quiet/private area or over the counter. Location of supervision was considered suitably private by 96 % of patients. Positive staff attitudes, privacy and the provision of additional health services were key factors influencing choice of pharmacy. Additional health services were offered to 75 % of patients and included information provision (43 %), signposting to other health care providers (72 %) and a Scottish service offering free advice and medicines for minor ailments (74 %).

Conclusion

Patients and pharmacists have developed working relationships, enabling access to multiple services associated with health gain and harm reduction. Further development of enhanced services in community pharmacies is merited.

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Title: Community pharmacy-based opiate substitution treatment and related health services: a study of 508 patients and 111 pharmacies
Authors: Amanda Laird
Carole Hunter
Colette Montgomery Sardar
Niamh M. Fitzgerald
Richard Lowrie
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-016-0714-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Community pharmacy-based opiate substitution treatment and related health services: a study of 508 patients and 111 pharmacies

Abstract

Background and aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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