Client characteristics and experiences in three methadone maintainance therapy models: a step toward treatment matching

dc.contributor.advisorBrunelle, Caroline
dc.contributor.advisorDiTommaso, Enrico
dc.contributor.authorMacNeill, Lillian
dc.date.accessioned2023-03-01T16:17:43Z
dc.date.available2023-03-01T16:17:43Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.date.updated2020-06-15T00:00:00Z
dc.description.abstractMethadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) is the most common form of substitution therapy for opioid use disorder in New Brunswick. Results from systematic reviews indicate that MMT is a cost-effective treatment and is associated with improved outcomes. Although methadone dispensation is the primary component of MMT, several aspects of these programs differ depending on the treatment model. This variation has not been the focus of empirical research. The current study used a mixed-method design to assess client characteristics and experiences in three MMT treatment delivery models: 1) comprehensive programs which combine methadone treatment with mandatory physician appointments and counselling, 2) low-threshold-high- tolerance (LTHT) programs which focus on stabilization on methadone and offer primary healthcare services, and 3) fee-for-service methadone programs which are run by community pharmacies and where the dispensation of methadone is the core component. Seventy participants were recruited from five treatment sites in Saint John, New Brunswick and grouped based on model of care: Comprehensive program (n = 21), LTHT program (n = 26), and fee-for-service program (n = 23). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data on demographics, substance use, personality, and treatment readiness. A semi-structured interview examining client history, progress in treatment, perception of treatment programs, and ancillary services was administered to a subset of these participants (n = 31). A series of one-way ANOVA tests examined group differences in substance use, personality, and treatment readiness. Results indicated that participants in the fee-for-service group reported higher levels of substance use severity and polysubstance use than participants in the comprehensive and LTHT groups. Content analysis was performed on interview data to assess the frequency of relevant themes in the qualitative data. The most prominent themes included: wanting supportive staff; wanting more structured counselling; and, desiring more consistency/organization of services. These findings have important implications for the implementation of MMT, as this study suggests that fee-for-service models of MMT may not be as effective in reducing substance use as more traditional service delivery models. In addition, the availability and quality of mental health services should be reviewed and integration between addiction services and mental health services should be emphasized.
dc.description.copyright©Lillian MacNeill, 2019
dc.formattext/xml
dc.format.extentviii, 179 pages
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/13362
dc.language.isoen_CA
dc.publisherUniversity of New Brunswick
dc.rightshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
dc.subject.disciplinePsychology
dc.titleClient characteristics and experiences in three methadone maintainance therapy models: a step toward treatment matching
dc.title.alternativeClient characteristics and experiences in three methadone maintenance therapy models :
dc.typedoctoral thesis
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychology
thesis.degree.fullnameDoctor of Philosophy in Psychology
thesis.degree.fullnameDoctor of Philosophy
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of New Brunswick
thesis.degree.leveldoctoral
thesis.degree.levelmasters
thesis.degree.namePh.D.

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