Analysis of the information and support needs generated by a community pharmacy-based methadone treatment programme

Abstract

Background - Methadone treatment has been provided in Ireland since 1998 under the methadone protocol scheme. Two liaison pharmacists were employed by the Eastern Health Board to interface between pharmacists dispensing methadone in primary and tertiary care. Objective - To analyse and review the inquiries received and addressed by one liaison pharmacist in the first year of operation of a community pharmacy-based methadone treatment scheme. Method - Inquiries received were recorded by the pharmacist using a standard data collection form. Using content analysis, key themes were identified and each inquiry was classified. Data were analysed using standard computer software. Key findings - Two primary categories of liaison inquiry were addressed: "patient-related" inquiries, requiring the organisation of community pharmacy-based methadone dispensing services for patients, and "pharmacy-related" inquiries, which were requests from community pharmacists for information or support. Two thirds of the inquiries were "patient-related. "The primary users of the liaison service were prescribers employed by the addiction services and community pharmacists. Conclusion - The liaison pharmacy service handled diverse inquiries, with an emphasis on the facilitation of the provision of pharmaceutical care for patients requiring community pharmacy-based methadone dispensing services. The liaison service had a significant secondary role in the provision of support and information for community pharmacists. The study findings are of relevance to those involved in developing and introducing primary care-based services for drug misusers.