Patients' knowledge about treatment for opiate dependence

Abstract

Aims and methodA cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess patient knowledge and information provision about opioid substitution treatment among individuals with opiate dependence receiving treatment at four treatment centres in South London.ResultsIn total 118 people were recruited to the study. Participants answered a mean of 14 out of 34 questions assessing a range of factors such as medication, blood-borne viruses and overdose correctly. Participants overestimated their performance on average by almost 40%. Individuals with a history of previous treatments scored significantly higher than those in their first treatment episode. The majority reported having been given written information on most of the topics assessed.Clinical implicationsThe results of this study highlight the need to improve education about opioid dependence and its treatment. Poorly informed patients are unlikely to make optimal treatment choices. Improving patients' knowledge and understanding about treatment may lead to better engagement, retention, treatment adherence and, ultimately, better health outcomes.