Irland. Caring for opioid drug users during the COVID-19 pandemic – a commentary on the Irish experience
Irland. Caring for opioid drug users during the COVID-19 pandemic – a commentary on the Irish experience
Authors: Crowley D., and Cullen W.
Summary:
Results:
Irish OAT services have implemented the following measures: reduced supervision requirements, increased the use of virtual patient care, streamlined assessment and induction processes to remove barriers to OAT access, provided home delivery of medications, increased access to naloxone and overdose programmes, targeted health and social interventions for the homeless and reduced our prison population. For now, non-essential services including drug and blood-borne virus screening and hepatitis C treatment have been postponed. Planning and review of Irish OAT services is ongoing so that further adaptations can be implemented as challenges emerge.
Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems, Published Ahead of Print, June 12, 2020
www.heroinaddictionrelatedclinicalproblems.org/harcp-archives-doi-articles.php