Evaluation of Opioid Substitution Therapy Disruptions During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Tim Lewington, Deanne Burch, Georges Petitjean
Primary Institution: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Hypothesis
What was the experience of prescribers in opioid substitution therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
The study found that despite initial fears, the disruption of opioid substitution therapy during the pandemic did not lead to a significant increase in fatal overdoses.
Supporting Evidence
- Clinicians anticipated a rise in overdoses due to changes in prescribing practices, but this largely did not occur.
- Remote consultations were introduced, which some patients found more accessible.
- Changes in power dynamics between prescribers and patients were noted, with increased trust in patients' ability to manage their treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors had to change how they gave medicine to people who need help with addiction during COVID-19, and it turned out that many people managed just fine without the usual rules.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews were conducted with medical and non-medical prescribers, recovery workers, and community pharmacists to evaluate their experiences during the pandemic.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of diverse perspectives from service users.
Limitations
The study lacked input from those accessing services and relied on clinician recall, which may have been impaired.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 4 medical prescribers, 7 non-medical prescribers, 2 recovery workers, and 2 community pharmacists.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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