Non‐Medical Use of Prescription Drugs among Clients Admitted to an Acute Psychiatric Unit

Abstract

Background Non‐medical use of prescription drugs (NMPD) is when prescription drugs are used in a manner other than for the reason or duration prescribed. Aim To explore NMPD among clients admitted to an acute psychiatric unit. Method A prospective observational study was conducted of all clients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to an acute psychiatric unit from 2 July to 2 September 2012. NMPD definition was based on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime criteria. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the characteristics of clients with and without NMPD. Results Of the 76 eligible clients, 19 (25%) had evidence of NMPD. NMPD was associated with age < 65 years (p = 0.03), consumption of > 4 standard alcoholic drinks per day (p = 0.02), smoker (p = 0.02) and admission for a psychological reason with suicidal ideation (p = 0.03). There was no significant association between NMPD and gender or illicit drug use. Clients with NMPD had higher symptom severity scores at discharge (p = 0.01) and shorter durations of hospital stay than clients without NMPD (p < 0.001). Conclusion NMPD was prevalent among clients admitted to an acute psychiatric unit. Clients with NMPD had a shorter hospital stay than those without NMPD. Clinicians and policy makers need to implement strategies to minimise NMPD.

Knowledge and attitudes of final year pharmacy students toward opioid substitution therapy

“…Given opioid dependence is often associated with concurrent social, psychological and forensic issues, well‐structured OST can reduce negative outcomes . OST provision is designed to maximise access for clients while minimising opportunity for diversion (prohibited behaviour where clients resell or exchange doses) and non‐compliance (not taking therapy as prescribed) . Therapy is initiated by an authorised prescriber (usually a general practitioner) with the requirements for prescriber authorisation varying between the states and territories .…”

“…In studies looking at client concerns with OST, discriminatory treatment by pharmacy staff was a common complaint . The number of OST clients per pharmacy is directly related to the number of negative issues experienced . Only 50% of individuals who identify as heroin users are currently accessing OST .…”