Shared Care Methadone Clinics a Survey of Patient Satisfaction Behaviour Change and Staff Views

Abstract

We present the findings of a survey of practice staff and clients' views and experiences of general practice based drug addiction services, before and after the introduction of shared care; and interviews among 52 clients about their views of current and past treatments and resultant behaviour changes. We also conducted a random note audit, and urine screens among interviewees.

Introducing shared care did not diminish high client satisfaction and positive staff views despite more than twice as many clients consequently being treated in the practice. Interviewees reported substantial reductions in crime and illicit drug use, and more positive views about maintenance than previous reducing treatments. Whilst introducing shared care also significantly reduced drug related workload outside the clinic, uptake of preventative health opportunities remained static. The random note audit and urine screens supported our findings.

We conclude that shared care opiate misuse clinics provide popular and effective services.

Key Words:

• Methadone clinic
• patient satisfaction
• staff views
• shared care
• behaviour change