Abstract
Aims and MethodA satellite methadone prescribing service was set up in a hostel in London's West End. The aim was to investigate if it were feasible to engage and retain these hard-to-reach, chaotic, polydrug users in treatment. A basic needs assessment was undertaken with staff and clients at the hostel. Treatment outcomes were assessed at 16 weeks using the Maudsley Addiction Profile.ResultsAt 16 weeks 87% of the original cohort (26 out of 30) were still in treatment. There were also significant reductions in mean heroin use (from 29.7 to 14.5 out of the past 30 days, P<0.001) and in the frequency of injecting (from 25.9 to 15.9 days, P<0.001).Clinical ImplicationsThis outreach clinic offers a model for developing services to homeless people with substance misuse problems.
Highlights
We describe the setting up of such an outreach service in a hostel for the homeless in London’s West End
The manager of a hostel in London’s West End approached the substance misuse service of Camden and Islington Mental Health and Social Care Trust for advice when the trust took over the coordination of its on-site needle exchange
Using the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP) at the time of initial assessment and again at 16 weeks, we investigated the initial impact of treatment
Summary
A satellite methadone prescribing service was set up in a hostel in London’s West End. The aim was to investigate if it were feasible to engage and retain these hard-toreach, chaotic, polydrug users in treatment. A basic needs assessment was undertaken with staff and clients at the hostel. Treatment outcomes were assessed at 16 weeks using the Maudsley Addiction Profile
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