Isabelle Arnet
Pharmaceutical Care Research Group,
Switzerland
Research Article
Novel Medication Supply Model Guarantees Adequate Management and High Adherence to Polypharmacy in Older Opioid Users – Preliminary Results with Outpatients
Author(s): Isabelle Arnet, Samuel S Allemann, Kenneth M Dürsteler, Johannes Strasser, Marc Vogel and Kurt E HersbergerIsabelle Arnet, Samuel S Allemann, Kenneth M Dürsteler, Johannes Strasser, Marc Vogel and Kurt E Hersberger
Background: Life expectancy of older drug users has increased, primarily thanks to opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Nursing homes are often not adapted to accommodate patients with substance use disorders. Although care and adherence to polypharmacy in older opioid users need considerable resources e.g., daily visits to an outpatient clinic, outpatient treatment and surveillance are provided as long as possible. We developed a novel medication supply model with an electronic dispenser of pre-packed medications located at patient home, after allowing for law requirements concerning the dispensing of opioids, and present preliminary results from three illustrative outpatients.
Methods: The community pharmacy provided unit-of-dose pouches with all solid oral medications directly to patient home. Opioids for substitution were obtained at the addi.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-8847.1000176