Services for Drug Abortions Flashcards
What are the features of drug dependence?
psychological dependence
- emotional
physical dependence
tolerance
What is substance misuse? What is the aim of providing services for substance misusers?
use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines, as in the non-medical use of prescription medicines
aim is to assist substance misusers to
- remain healthy
- reduce drug-related harm
- provide them with regular contact with a healthcare professional (HCP)
What are the benefits of services for substance misuse?
1 - cost effective
2 - multidisciplinary teams
= regular contact
3 - crime reduction
4 - allows individuals to reintegrate into society
5 - provides support and advice for family/friends
What are things to consider when making services for substances misusers?
local need
- some ares have a higher need than others
partnership with local healthcare professionals
clinical governance
- methods to improve the quality of services
client needs
carer needs
What are the types of services available?
supervised consumption
- methadone
- buprenorphine
needle exchange
What drug is the main cause of drug related deaths?
heroin
- highly addictive
- gives euphoric rush followed by a relaxed, warm feeling
What are the properties methadone for treatment?
is the gold standard
- first line treatment
is a Schedule 2 CD
has a long half life (24-36 hours)
- reaches steady state in 5-7 days
available as oral solution (SF/non-SF), tablets and injections
What are the properties of buprenorphine?
is a Schedule 3 CD
available as sublingual tablets, transdermal patches, implants
must monitor liver function tests when being taken
What are the requirements that must be met in order to do supervised consumption?
must be done on a FP10MDA prescription
- instalment prescribing
prescribers must specify which doses need supervision
must account for when the pharmacy is open or closed
- provide alternate days or give the weekend batch with the friday dose
requires 3 months minimum supervision
What are the advantages of supervised consumption?
improved compliance/retention in service
reduce risk of illicit or inappropriate drug use or diversion
provides regular support to patients
reduced risk of accidental ingestion by children
What are good practice guidelines for supervised consumption?
prepare doses in advance and store in the CD cupboard
have measurements or doses double checked
maintain confidentiality
take the client to a private area to observe the consumption
inform the drug team of missed doses
- refer to the prescriber if there are three consecutive days missed
consider refusing supply if the patient is intoxicated
advice the patient when the next prescription is due
What is the aim of needle exchange?
reduce transmission of blood-borne viruses and other infections
- hepatitis C
- hepatitis B
- HIV
- bacterial infections
What is the paraphernalia that must be provided?
paraphernalia - equipment
is a legal requirement - spoons - citric acid - ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) = cocaine and heroin must be dissolved in acid to be injected - filters - water for injection - alcohol swabs = to clean the area
What are the signs of opiate overdose?
pinpoint pupils respiratory depression reduced consciousness deep snoring blue lips
What is naloxone?
short acting opiate antagonist
is an antidote to rapidly reverse unconsciousness
can be administered intravenous or intranasally
is a short term measure before sending the client to the hospital
