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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2013, 15, 1 (pages: 45 - 52)

The effects of a novel take-home treatment strategy in patients with opioid-dependence receiving long-term opioid replacement therapy with buprenorphine/naloxone in Italy: a cost analysis

Montesano F., Mellace V., on behalf of ATC-DPC project group

Summary: During opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OMT) in Italy, patients may experience problems accessing addiction assistance from the local drug addiction centers (SerTs [Servizi territoriali per le Tossicodipendenze]), resulting in reduced long-term adherence to treatment. To overcome this, the SerT in Soverato, Italy has developed a pilot project called Distribuzione per Conto (DPC), which distributes OMT through local pharmacies and involves general practitioners in the management of patients instead of the traditional treatment of these patients which was run solely through SerTs. Results of this study show that the DPC treatment strategy is a viable strategy as it increased patient satisfaction compared with the traditional strategy with no negative effects on the adherence to OMT and patient relapse rates. DPC also reduced the number of visits and counseling sessions at SerT, with a positive impact on time management and associated costs both for patients and clinical practitioners.