Centralization of the methadone maintenance plan in a hospital pharmacy department in the Community of Madrid

Abstract

In February 2018, Resolution 189/2018 was published in the Autonomous Community of Madrid with the objective of centralizing the procedure for the acquisition, preparation, distribution, and dispensing of methadone to Centres for the Comprehensive Care of Drug Addiction Patients within the Madrid Health Service under the responsibility of a Hospital Pharmacy Service.The Hospital Pharmacy Service began this activity in March 2018. This is the first time that the comprehensive management of a methadone maintenance plan has been centralized in an Hospital Pharmacy Service for the care of drug-dependent patients in the Autonomous Community of Madrid.At the beginning of the Project, the previous workflow was analysed, the pharmaceutical laboratory was adapted, and the methadone acquisition procedure was designed. A communication channel with the Centres for the Comprehensive Care of Drug Addiction Patients was implemented and application forms were designed. Corresponding control procedures were established given that the medication under consideration was a narcotic.Standard procedures for the acquisition of methadone, of containers for personalized dosing in Centres for the Comprehensive Care of Drug Addiction Patients, and transport routes were designed and contracted out through public tender in compliance with the Public Administration Contract Law. A tender has also been awarded for the implementation of a computerized management system and automated dispensing systems, which are currently undergoing installation.The pharmacotherapeutic protocol of the Methadone Maintenance Plan of the Autonomous Community of Madrid is also being updated.Over 18 months, 5,300 L of methadone solution have been prepared and 2,844 individual prescriptions have been dispensed.High levels of perceived satisfaction were reported via a questionnaire administered to the Centre for the Comprehensive Care of Drug Addiction Patients staff. The response rate was 92%. Overall satisfaction was very satisfied/quite satisfied (91%) and satisfied (9%). These results highlight the high level of satisfaction (quite satisfied or very satisfied: 81.8%) with the effectiveness and speed of resolution of incidents by the Hospital Pharmacy Service staff.This process incorporates the knowledge and experience of hospital pharmacists into this healthcare field, as well as taking advantage of existing resources, facilities, and procedures. All these aspects lead to an efficient, effective, and safe approach to this clinical-care activity and enable a change in the pharmacotherapeutic health care model for opioid-dependent patients.