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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2012, 14, 4 (pages: 23 - 38)

Quality of Care Provided to Patients Receiving Opioid Maintenance Treatment in Europe: Results from the EQUATOR analysis

Dale-Perera A., Goulão J., Stöver H.

Summary: Patients receiving treatment for opioid dependence are prone to relapse into illicit drug use, risking significant harms to themselves and to society. The European Quality Audit of Opioid Treatment (EQUATOR) analysis assessed aspects of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) delivery and the quality of care offered to patients undergoing OMT across 10 European countries. Findings suggest quality of care may be improved by: ensuring patients and physicians discuss the range of available treatment options, achieving the appropriate balance between control and patient flexibility, reducing the likelihood of misuse and diversion, and providing appropriate psychosocial care in conjunction with pharmacotherapy.