Heino Stöver1. 1. Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany. hstoever@fb4.fh-frankfurt.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the number of patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Germany has increased in recent years, many dependent opioid users remain out of treatment. Project IMPROVE assessed attitudes and beliefs regarding barriers to OST. METHODS: Data were collected from opioid-dependent individuals (using self-complete questionnaires) currently in treatment (n = 200) or not in treatment (n = 200), and OST-accredited physicians (using computer-aided telephone interviewing) who currently provided (n = 101) or did not provide OST (n = 51) from different regions in Germany. RESULTS: Key results showed that OST was perceived as valuable and effective by physicians, patients and users but that OST access and provision were inadequate, especially outside of major cities. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with national data indicating a worsening imbalance between patient demand for treatment and the supply of available physicians accredited to provide it. Many physicians and patients were not aware of, or were not utilizing, therapeutic strategies that may help reduce misuse and diversion. Improvements in the regulatory framework for OST, and identifying additional sources of support and training, would encourage more accredited physicians to actively provide treatment and thus help to fully realize the benefits of currently available treatment options.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the number of patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Germany has increased in recent years, many dependent opioid users remain out of treatment. Project IMPROVE assessed attitudes and beliefs regarding barriers to OST. METHODS: Data were collected from opioid-dependent individuals (using self-complete questionnaires) currently in treatment (n = 200) or not in treatment (n = 200), and OST-accredited physicians (using computer-aided telephone interviewing) who currently provided (n = 101) or did not provide OST (n = 51) from different regions in Germany. RESULTS: Key results showed that OST was perceived as valuable and effective by physicians, patients and users but that OST access and provision were inadequate, especially outside of major cities. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with national data indicating a worsening imbalance between patient demand for treatment and the supply of available physicians accredited to provide it. Many physicians and patients were not aware of, or were not utilizing, therapeutic strategies that may help reduce misuse and diversion. Improvements in the regulatory framework for OST, and identifying additional sources of support and training, would encourage more accredited physicians to actively provide treatment and thus help to fully realize the benefits of currently available treatment options.
Authors: Elizabeth Bromley; Derjung M Tarn; Michael McCreary; Brian Hurley; Allison J Ober; Katherine E Watkins Journal: J Subst Abuse Treat Date: 2020-04-20
Authors: José Tomás Prieto; Dean McEwen; Arthur J Davidson; Alia Al-Tayyib; Lisa Gawenus; Sridhar R Papagari Sangareddy; Joshua Blum; Seth Foldy; Judith C Shlay Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2019-07-06 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: Dennis P Watson; Tess Weathers; Alan McGuire; Alex Cohen; Philip Huynh; Clay Bowes; Daniel O'Donnell; Krista Brucker; Sumedha Gupta Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2021-02-15 Impact factor: 4.492