Evaluation of the rapid implementation across Wales of Buvidal
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the rapid implementation across Wales of Injectable Buprenorphine (Buvidal)
IRAS ID
331415
Contact name
Katy Holloway
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of South Wales
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
People who become dependent on heroin or other opioids often benefit from opioid substitution treatment (OST). OST medications broadly work by reducing or stopping withdrawal and cravings without producing the extreme highs that heroin and other opioids can cause. One such OST is Buvidal, a formulation of buprenorphine designed for administration by subcutaneous injection weekly or monthly. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Buvidal was already in use in some services in parts of England and Wales. However, as the pandemic unfolded and the need for social distancing gained momentum, Welsh Government allocated funding to support the rapid roll-out of Buvidal across Wales.
Prior to the pandemic, the Welsh Substance Misuse Strategy made no reference to long-acting buprenorphine (Welsh Government, 2019). However, in 2021, the ‘Plan’ was amended to reflect the work that has been undertaken as a result of the pandemic (Welsh Government, 2021, p.1). The revised plan highlighted the work being undertaken to support the rapid introduction of Buvidal across Wales to ease pressure in prescribing services and included a commitment to evaluate its impact.
To this end, the Welsh Government commissioned the University of South Wales to lead a project to evaluate the rapid roll-out of Buvidal in Wales. The aim of the project is to provide Welsh Government with timely, robust information on the implementation and indicative outcomes of the introduction of Buvidal and particularly on the wider service impacts and potential future adaptations required as a result of this new treatment. We propose to adopt a mixed-strategy approach that will involve: (a) the collection and analysis of primary qualitative and quantitative data using interviews, focus groups, and an online survey. Participants will be drawn from NHS and HMPPS-based services that are providing OSTs including Buvidal and will include both service providers and service users.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
24/WA/0168
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion