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Consensus recommendations for opioid agonist treatment following the introduction of emergency clinical guidelines in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national Delphi study. 

Durand L, Keenan E, Boland F, Harnedy N, Delargy Í, Scully M, Mayock P, Ebbitt W, Vázquez MO, Corrigan N, Killeen N, Pate M, Byrne P, Cousins G. 

Int J Drug Policy. 2022 Jun 16;106:103768. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103768. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35738029; PMCID: PMC9212711.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9212711/

COVID-19 and substance use disorders: a review of international guidelines for frontline healthcare workers of addiction services. 

Ostinelli EG, Smith K, Zangani C, Ostacher MJ, Lingford-Hughes AR, Hong JSW, Macdonald O, Cipriani A. 

BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Mar 31;22(1):228. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-03804-7. PMID: 35361184; PMCID: PMC8968241.

https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-03804-7

WHO. Recommendations for national SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies and diagnostic capacities - interim guidance

Timely and accurate diagnostic testing is an essential tool in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. This document describes recommendations for national testing strategies and the use of PCR and rapid antigen tests in different transmission scenarios of the COVID-19 outbreak, including how testing might be rationalized in low resource settings. All testing should be followed by a strong public health response including isolating those who test positive and providing them care, contact tracing and quarantine of contacts. (WHO, 25.06.2021)

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-lab-testing-2021.1-eng

Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on Infection Prevention for Healthcare Personnel Caring for Patients with Suspected or Known COVID-19. 

Lynch JB, Davitkov P, Anderson DJ, Bhimraj A, Cheng VC, Guzman-Cottrill J, Dhindsa J, Duggal A, Jain MK, Lee GM, Liang SY, McGeer A, Varghese J, Lavergne V, Murad MH, Mustafa RA, Sultan S, Falck-Ytter Y, Morgan RL. 

Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Nov 15:ciab953. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab953. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34791102.

Abstract

https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciab953/6428563

Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of substance use and addictive behaviour-related disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Du J, Fan N, Zhao M, Hao W, Liu T, Lu L, Shi J, Jiang H, Zhong N, Lan X, Xu S, Chen H, Xiang X, Wang X, Sun H, Li B, Ning YP, Li J, Guo W, Niu Y, Sheng L, Li Y, Liu X, Zhou X, Qian M, Zhou W, Zhang R, Hu H, Xia Y, Su Z, Zhang R, Yang M, Liu F, Yuan W. 

Gen Psychiatr. 2020 Jul 8;33(4):e100252. doi: 10.1136/gpsych-2020-100252. PMID: 34192233; PMCID: PMC7358097.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358097/

Tools for the evaluation of the psychological impact of COVID-19: A practical guide for Family physicians and Primary Care Practitioners. 

Sarkar S, Kaur T, Ranjan P, Sahu A, Kumari A. 

J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Apr;10(4):1503-1507. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2107_20. Epub 2021 Apr 29. PMID: 34123881; PMCID: PMC8144778.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8144778/

ASAM COVID-19 TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETURN TO IN-PERSON SERVICES

A guide for addiction treatment clinicians and programs working to treat patients with substance use disorders safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. (ASAM – American Society of Addiction Medicine, Juni 2021)

https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/covid-19/17-return-to-in-person-services.pdf

COVID-19 Vaccination and Addiction Treatment (ASAM-Guidelines)

The dissemination of effective vaccines against the COVID-19 virus is a key strategy towards controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

People with substance use disorders are at higher risk for COVID-19 infections and serious sequalae than the general population.  In addition, higher risk is well-known to occur in populations residing in congregate housing, which can include residential and inpatient levels of care as well as housing programs serving people with addiction. 

Insufficient vaccine acceptance may promote additional virus variants and persistent transmission and illness, placing patients with addiction and their providers at ongoing risk of infection. Addiction treatment clinicians and programs play key roles in promoting access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine.

ASAM – American Society of Addiction Medicine, Juni 2021

https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/covid-19/16-overcoming-vaccine-hesitancy-recommendations.pdf

COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol 

Guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol.

Public Health England and Department of Health and Social Care 

Published: 15 April 2020

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-commissioners-and-providers-of-services-for-people-who-use-drugs-or-alcohol

USA. ASAM: COVID-19 - National and State Health Guidance

This webpage contains news, guidance and resources from around the country regarding addiction treatment in the wake of COVID-19. (ASAM – American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2021)

https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/covid-19-coronavirus/national-and-state-guidance

USA:. HS Expands Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is publishing Practice Guidelines for the Administration of Buprenorphine for Treating Opioid Use Disorder*, to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) by exempting physicians from certain certification requirements needed to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. (HHS, USA, Januar 2021)

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/mat-physician-practice-guidelines.pdf

USA. Ongoing Management of the Continuum of Addiction Care During COVID-19

A guide for addiction treatment clinicians and programs working to treat patients with substance use disorders safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. (ASAM – American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2020)

https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/covid-19-coronavirus/Ongoing-Management

Preventing problematic internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Consensus guidance. 

Király O, Potenza MN, Stein DJ, et al. 

Compr Psychiatry. 2020;100:152180. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152180

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7215166/

 

Kanada. Supporting people who use substances in shelter settings during the COVID‐19 pandemic - NATIONAL RAPID GUIDANCE 

Hyshka, K., Dong, K., Meador, K., Speed, K., Abele, B., LeBlanc, S., McFarlane, A., McNeil, R., Salokangas, E., Schoen, E., & Wild, T.C. 

Edmonton, Alberta: Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse; May 17, 2020. 82 p. Version 1. 

https://crism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CRISM-Guidance-Supporting-People-Who-Use-Substances-in-Emergency-Shelter-Settings-V1.pdf

USA. ASAM releases major updates to COVID-19 guidance documents and resources regarding addiction treatment in the wake of COVID-19

As the leader in developing clinical guidelines and standards in addiction medicine, the American Society of Addiction Medicine takes our responsibility very seriously.  We convened the ASAM Caring for Patients During the COVID-19 (CPDC) Task Force to rapidly develop guidance tailored to addiction medicine treatment within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 18.09.2020)

https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/covid-19-coronavirus

WHO Europes Guidance on COVID-19 and alcohol

The following factsheet from WHO Europe provides important information that you should know about alcohol consumption and COVID-19. It addresses, among other things, the misinformation that is being spread through social media and other communication channels about alcohol and COVID-19.

https://www.eurocare.org/cares.php?sp=alcohol-and-health&ssp=who-europes-guidance-on-covid-19-and-alcohol

Summary of international recommendations in 23 languages for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mauri, DavidePetricevic, Branka et al.

The Lancet Oncology, Volume 0, Issue 0

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30278-3/fulltext

Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV

This interim guidance reviews special considerations for persons with HIV and their health care providers in the United States regarding COVID-19. Information and data on COVID-19 are rapidly evolving. This guidance includes general information to consider. People with HIV who have COVID-19 have an excellent prognosis, and they should be clinically managed the same as persons in the general population with COVID-19, including when making medical care triage determinations. (US Departement of Health and Human Services, Last Updated: April 21, 2020; Last Reviewed: April 21, 2020)

https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/8/covid-19-and-persons-with-hiv--interim-guidance-/0

Schweiz. PANDEMIE COVID-19: EMPFEHLUNGEN FÜR DROGENKONSUMENT /-INNEN 

Herausgeber: Stadt Zürich, Soziale Einrichtungen und Betriebe

https://www.infodrog.ch/de/hilfe-finden/corona-news/einzelheiten/infoflyer-fuer-konsumierende.html

Schweiz. Suchthilfe und COVID-19 

Empfehlungen zum Umgang mit der COVID-19-Pandemie von Fachpersonen aus dem Suchtbereich 

Das vorliegende Dokument fasst Beobachtungen von Fachpersonen aus dem Suchtbereich zusammen und enthält Handlungsempfehlungen für Institutionen und Fachperso-nen aus dem Suchtbereich zum Umgang mit COVID-19. Gefordert wird ein verstärkter Schutz für die vulnerable Gruppe der Betroffenen und für Fachpersonen und damit auch eine grössere Flexibilität in der Anwendung der geltenden Bestimmungen. Die Empfehlungen dienen der Unterstützung der zahlreichen öffentlichen und privaten gemeinnützigen Akteure, die sich bereits jetzt stark und pragmatisch engagieren. Nur mit einem starken und funktionierenden, gut und niederschwellig verfügbaren Behandlungs- und Betreuungssystem können Betroffene und die Bevölkerung geschützt und Massnahmen zur Eindämmung der COVID-19-Pandemie umgesetzt werden. (GREA, ticino, Fachverband Sucht, Föderation der Suchtfachleute, SSAM und Sucht Schweiz, Lausanne, Bern, Zürich, Lugano, 02.04.2020)

https://www.infodrog.ch/files/content/corona/suchterkrankung-und-covid_2020-04-02.pdf

Schottland. Guidance on contingency planning for people who use drugs and COVID-19

Guidance has been produced on contingency planning for people who use drugs and COVID-19 and has been shared with all Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and all drug services in Scotland. (SDF – Scottish Drugs Forum, April 2020)

http://www.sdf.org.uk/covid-19-guidance/

USA. FAQs: Provision of methadone and buprenorphine

SAMHSA, USA, Updated 21.04.2020)

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/faqs-for-oud-prescribing-and-dispensing.pdf

UNODC. Suggestions about treatment, care and rehabilitation of people with drug use disorder in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic 

A contribution to the health security of countries and communities.(UNODC, April 2020)

https://www.unodc.org/documents/drug-prevention-and-treatment/UN-Covid19-infographic-200328-A4_1.pdf

Preventing COVID-19 outbreak in prisons: a challenging but essential task for authorities

Today, WHO/Europe has published interim guidance on how to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in prisons and other places of detention, entitled “Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention”. (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 23.03.2020)

http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-determinants/prisons-and-health/news/news/2020/3/preventing-covid-19-outbreak-in-prisons-a-challenging-but-essential-task-for-authorities

Kanada - British Columbia. COVID-19: Information for Opioidagonist Treatment Presribers and Pharmacists
March 17, 2020 

BCCSU – British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 17.032020

https://www.bccsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Bulletin-March-17-2020.pdf

Kanada - British Columbia. RISK MITIGATION IN THE CONTEXT OF DUAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES – Interim Clinical Guidance

BCCSU – British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, März 2020, Version 1.2 

https://www.bccsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Risk-Mitigation-in-the-Context-of-Dual-Public-Health-Emergencies-v1.2.pdf

Kanada. COVID-19 pandemic pushes B.C. to move forward on safe take-home drug supply strategy 

(…)  While opioids are the main driver of B.C.’s overdose crisis, the new guidelines extend to other substances, such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, tobacco and alcohol.

Prescribed stimulants include dextroamphetamine (trade name Dexedrine), while benzodiazepines include clonazepam. Those with tobacco-use disorder can be provided with nicotine replacement therapies such as the patch or gum, while medications used to manage alcohol withdrawal include gabapentin and clonidine.

Donald MacPherson, executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, said Thursday he was simultaneously delighted and astounded by the development. (Globe and Mail, Kanada, 26.03.2020)

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-pandemic-pushes-bc-to-move-forward-on-safe-take-home-drug-supply/

Schweiz. Diamorphinsubstitution: Stellungnahme des BAG zu HeGeBe unter dem Eindruck des Corona-Virus

Das BAG nimmt Stellung (pdf, 2S.) zu den eingegangenen Fragen bezüglich der aktuellen Herausforderungen der HeGeBe Institutionen im Zusammenhang mit COVID-19. (Bundesamt für Gesundheit, Bern, 13.03.2020)

https://fachverbandsucht.ch/download/898/COVID-19_Pandemie_und_Mitgaben_in_HeGeBe_Antwort_vom_BAG_final.pdf

Norwegen. Information from the Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Norway, about special measures for vulnerable groups with substance use disorders (SUD) during the Coronavirus epidemic

UIO – Institut of Clinical Medicie, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Clausen, Norwegen, 15.03.2020)

https://www.med.uio.no/klinmed/english/research/centres/seraf/news-and-events/news/2020/information-seraf-coronavirus.html

Australien. Guidance for AOD Services about COVID-19

New South Wales Government, Health, wird laufend aktualisiert

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/Pages/covid19-aod-services-response.aspx