PMH50 - TREATMENT OF OPIOID USE DISORDER IN ITALY: IS THERE SCOPE FOR POLICY CHANGE?

Abstract

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a widespread global public health crisis. An estimated 8,441 overdose deaths were attributed to the abuse of heroin and other opioids in Europe alone in 2015. Opioid dependence is still undertreated throughout Europe with significant limitations associated with current treatment. This research aims to assess the receptivity to a shift in policy in Italy regarding the use of opioid substitution therapy. Primary research with prescribing KOLs, national government stakeholders, regional representatives and NGO representatives in Italy was conducted to probe on evolving policy influencing opioid substitution therapy (OST) prescribing at the national, regional and local level. At present, several trends in Italian OST policy influence prescribing behaviour in Italy. Presidential Decree no 309/90 currently restricts the prescribing and administration of OST to SerDs. This, together with the lack of patient-centred care is a significant barrier to improving treatment outcomes and significantly restricts the access to treatment within the OUD population. Focused, policy-related initiatives in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna with higher receptivity to changes in clinical practice may expand the provision of OST outside of SerDs. Undertaking studies that demonstrate the economic value of newer, long-acting buprenorphine products can be used to highlight reductions in healthcare utilisation and consequent improvement in SerD efficiency.