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Methadone: old problems for new programmes
Author(s) -
BURGESS PHILIP M.,
GILL ANTHONY J.,
PEAD JOHN,
HOLMAN C. PAUL
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595239000185081
Subject(s) - methadone , compromise , audit , context (archaeology) , accreditation , agency (philosophy) , medicine , methadone maintenance , outcome (game theory) , intensive care medicine , nursing , psychology , psychiatry , political science , medical education , business , sociology , paleontology , social science , mathematics , accounting , mathematical economics , law , biology
The present paper is concerned with factors which compromise the effective delivery of programmes incorporating methadone. Current clinical practices and programme characteristics are reviewed and policy issues regarding the role of methadone are considered, especially within the context of containing the spread of HIV infection. These issues are discussed in relation to empirical outcome studies, local prescribing trends and clinical case material. The authors conclude that there is an urgent need for: (1) an evaluation of the outcome of private practitioner methadone dispensation versus comprehensive agency‐based therapy; (2) the accreditation of staff in all programmes incorporating methadone; and (3) the development of monitoring mechanisms, including on‐site clinical audits of programmes.