Provision of drug and alcohol services amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative evaluation on the experiences of service providers

Abstract

Background The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of drug and alcohol (D&A) services and associated outcomes have been under-researched. Aim This study aimed to understand the experiences of service providers in relation to how drug and alcohol (D&A) services were affected during COVID-19 pandemic, including the adaptations made and lessons learnt for the future. Method Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from various D&A service organisations across the UK. Data were audio recorded, followed by transcription and thematic analysis. Results A total of 46 participants representing various service providers were recruited between October and January 2022. The thematic analysis identified ten themes. COVID-19 required significant changes to how the treatment was provided and prioritised. Expansion of telehealth and digital services were described, which reduced service wait times and increased opportunities for peer network. However, they described missed opportunities for disease screening, and some users risked facing digital exclusion. Participants who provided opiate substitution therapy service spoke of improving service provider/user trust following the shift from daily supervised treatment consumption to weekly dispensing. At the same time, they feared fatal overdoses and non-adherence to treatment. Conclusion This study demonstrates the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK-based D&A service provisions. The long-term impact of reduced supervision on Substance Use Disorder treatment and outcomes and any effect of virtual communications on service efficiency, patient-provider relationships and treatment retention and successes are unknown, suggesting the need for further study to assess their utility.

A multicenter, retrospective study of the current status of antidepressant prescription use in outpatient settings in China

“…indicated that participants felt frustrated and isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the blockade [13]. The study also found that the prevalence of depression in women was 1.76 times higher than in men, a ratio consistent with ndings from Slovenia [4] and other European studies [14].…”

Key causes and long-term trends related to emergency department and inpatient hospital admissions of homeless persons in England

“…Services such as needle exchange and naloxone provision need to be readily available in the community, including through community pharmacies. It has been reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted heavily on provision of drug and alcohol services as well as those serving the homeless populations [ 23 , 24 ]. It is important that lessons and good practices from the pandemic are considered for future service provision.…”

“…It is important that lessons and good practices from the pandemic are considered for future service provision. These include the use of remote- and technology-assisted services to serve the affected populations which were reported to have been well received by the clients [ 23 , 24 ].…”