Study of experiences of opiate−dependents in Treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A narrative study exploring service user experiences of substitute prescribing for opiate-dependence.
IRAS ID
147103
Contact name
Conan Leavey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Research summary
There has been a significant number of changes in policy and practice within drug treatment services.These changes have impacted on the way treatment is commissioned and delivered.For the prescribing service in Blackburn with Darwen this has led to a number of developments to re shaping service delivery, driving a balance between overcoming dependence and reducing harm and ensuring that within the service both objectives properly coexist There is growing literature evaluating specific recovery orientated interventions and their efficacy in terms of outcomes for individual and/or service user groups (Yates and Malloch 2010) .Despite the level of interest in drug policy and practice there remains little information to elicit the views and experiences of services users. There has been little research carried out in Blackburn with Darwen. In other areas of Lancashire recent studies (eg.Emerging Trends) within the drug and alcohol field have involved self reporting surveys.Surveys are limited in actually understanding the true experiences and views of service users, therefore by using a narrative study it is hoped that we will gain a more in-depth insight into service user’s own experiences and views of treatment in the area and in doing so the future direction of service delivery will be informed This research study will therefore employ in−depth semi−structured interviews to elicit service users’ experiences of changed drug treatment in Blackburn with Darwen. Drug treatment is defined as those that have received, or are in receipt of, substitute prescribing (methadone or Buprenophine) for their opiate−dependence. By using in−depth semi−structured interviews the research will provide a better understanding of a small number of service user lived experiences.The study will employ positive sampling i.e. participants are selected on the grounds that they are likely to generate appropriate data and will be willing to participate in the study (Green and Thorogood, 2004).
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0124
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion