The objective of the study was to examine the changes made in the dispensing schedules and oral
solution methadone take home doses and tablets, in the seven Addiction Care Centers (CAD)
of Madrid Salud, because of the state of emergency, and which ones remain one year later. A
longitudinal descriptive study was conducted, obtaining the data from the review of the reports
prepared by the pharmacy unit, responsible for supply and control of methadone, at three
times: February 2020 and March 2021, for the two weeks methadone doses; in addition, people
treated with Metasedín were included in November 2020. A descriptive statistical analysis was
performed, calculating absolute and relative frequencies, as well as the percentage of variation
between the first moment and the last moment of measurement. Dispensing days were reduced
in all centers. Two weeks methadone solution take home doses increased by more than 50% in
all centers, maintaining a total increase of 97% one year later. People in Metasedín maintenance
treatment increased by 45.3%. Mobility restrictions due to confinement by Covid-19 forced to
make more flexible and expand the take home. The good response of people in treatment has
favored maintaining the changes, which helps to normalize a stigmatized treatment.
Authors
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Sonsoles Gutiérrez-Cáceres - 1Departamento de Asistencia. Instituto de Adicciones. Madrid Salud. 2Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
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Azucena Pedraz-Marcos - 2Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. 3Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid (IDIPHISA).
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Pilar Serrano-Gallardo - 2Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. 3Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid (IDIPHISA). 4Instituto Interuniversitario: Investigación avanzada en evaluación de la Ciencia y la Universidad (INAECU).
Keywords:
Methadone; Covid-19; Take home dose; Flexibility.