Recently, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) Drug & Alcohol (D&A) Service conducted interviews with GPs who prescribe Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) for people with a history of opioid dependence. The GPs interviewed have been prescribing between two and 15 years, with each prescribing for 30-40 patients, some of whom were existing patients and others referred specifically for OAT. Read on to learn about their feedback around OAT.
Reasons they decided to prescribe OAT:
I found the work to be very rewarding. Substance use disorder (SUD) disproportionately affects the most vulnerable people in our society and usually comes with underlying psychosocial issues.
I wanted to provide a safer life and even save lives. As a group, they are disadvantaged in so many ways. They are so appreciative of the service my practice provides in a non-judgmental way. I love being able to provide a complete service for my patients, it gives me great satisfaction.
I prescribe and administer depot buprenorphine, perform the patient review and give them their injection in the same consultation. It is convenient for the patient and it gives me a chance to talk to them about other health concerns.
I was able to witness the improvements to quality of life for those able to access OAT easily without stigma or judgement, and I help manage their primary health care needs, as I know seeking medical care can be a barrier for a lot of patients with SUD. I am able to utilise the (Medicare) chronic disease item numbers for some of my patients.
Integrating the service into their practice:
SUD is a common debilitating chronic disease that affects the patients and families of every GP. It is a chronic disease that should have a treatment protocol in every practice, in the same way a patient with diabetes has well known pathways of care. We integrated the provision of care into our practice the same as for other chronic diseases.
I have a practice nurse, and we are about to dedicate part of our GP practice to be a drug and alcohol clinic.
Having a dispensing pharmacy across the road from my practice who I have a good relationship with, was helpful.
Further information or support required:
I would highly recommend using the fantastic nurses who work as part of the GP Liaison in Alcohol and Drugs (GLAD) team, the Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) ((02) 9361 – 8006) and/or the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) (1800 250 015) helplines.
Whenever I have been able to access support from the local D&A service, it has been extremely helpful and accommodating.
I am in contact with the SESLHD D&A service, which is very helpful and supportive. More information and educational activities would be very helpful.
The University of Sydney, Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC), is strongly recommended.
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Launch of new Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk The 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk, and associated Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator (Aus CVD Risk Calculator), will become the new standard of care for the primary prevention of CVD in Australia. This…
At CESPHN we value your feedback and invite you to complete the 2023 stakeholder engagement survey At CESPHN, we value your feedback and invite you to complete the stakeholder engagement survey on our service delivery and communication over the past 12 months. This short survey only takes five minutes and…
CESPHN Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-28 has been released The Central and Eastern Sydney PHN has developed a Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people in our region to live more active and fulfilling lives, enabled by inclusive communities, and supported by integrated person-centred health and social services. Healthy ageing relies…
NSW community urged to be on alert amid rise in listeriosis NSW Health is reminding people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or aged over 65 years to avoid foods that can cause listeriosis, following several confirmed cases of listeria infection in NSW. Listeriosis infection, which comes from consuming food contaminated with…
CESPHN Primary Health Awards: 2023 Finalists and Winners announced At a packed event last night at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, CESPHN held its annual Primary Health Awards. CESPHN’s multicultural community was reflected in our numerous and diverse submissions. All immensely impressive. The winners, announced at the awards event,…