Transferring Patients From Methadone to Buprenorphine: The Feasibility and Evaluation of Practice Guidelines.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and aims

Transfer from methadone to buprenorphine is problematic for many opioid-dependent patients, with limited documented evidence or practical clinical guidance, particularly for the range of methadone doses routinely prescribed for most patients (>50 mg). This study aimed to implement and evaluate recent national Australian guidelines for transferring patients from methadone to buprenorphine.

Design and methods

A multisite prospective cohort study. Participants were patients who transferred from methadone to buprenorphine-naloxone at 1 of 4 specialist addiction centers in Australia and New Zealand. Clinicians were trained in the guidelines, and medical records were reviewed to examine process (eg, transfer setting, doses, and guideline adherence) and safety

SUBMITTER: Lintzeris N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5976217 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May/Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature