MAT Standards Pharmacy impact report
We asked stakeholders how medication assisted treatment (MAT) standards affect community pharmacies. Our report:
- gives recommendations on a national improvement plan for introducing these standards,
- highlights the ways community pharmacies help people,
- encourages thinking on improving care to reduce drug-related harm in a system under pressure.
Pharmacy case studies
Our case studies show examples of when the MAT standards have been implemented. They are from work from across drug and alcohol services, pharmacies and the third sector.
Development of pharmacist independent prescribing clinics to treat opioid analgesic dependence in NHS Lanarkshire
A research article detailing the development and outcomes of specialised Pharmacist Independent Prescriber clinics being delivered in GP practices within NHS Lanarkshire. It offers advice and recommendations for the development of similar services and to minimise associated risks for Opioid Dependant patients. For further support with this resource please contact Duncan Hill.
MAT Standards reflective blogs by Adrian MacKenzie
Medicines related guidance
Quality prescribing for antidepressants: a guide for improvement 2024-2027
Antidepressant prescribing continues to increase in Scotland with one in five adults receiving one or more antidepressant prescriptions in a year. The number of people receiving long-term antidepressant treatment has continued to increase with more than half of those prescribed antidepressants (six in ten adults) receiving long-term (≥2 years) treatment).
Some of this prescribing is appropriate in providing people with better courses of treatment and enabling better outcomes, however some long-term use of antidepressants may be inappropriate, where medication is no longer required or where non-pharmacological treatment options may be preferred.
For further support with this resource please contact: EPandT@gov.scot
Quality prescribing for benzodiazepines and z-drugs – a guide for improvement 2024-2027
Benzodiazepine and z-drug (B-Z) prescribing continues to slowly reduce across Scotland. Despite this, B-Z prescribing remains a challenge. It is recognised that B-Z can provide some benefits in the treatment of insomnia and some anxiety disorders in the short term, however, there is increased mortality associated with B-Z use in a range of populations and their use is associated with tolerance, dependence and avoidable medicine related harms.
They are associated with an increased incidence of depressive symptoms and can have a cumulative effect when used together with other sedating medication, such as opioids or gabapentinoids, increasing the risk of medicine related harms. For further support with this resource please contact: EPandT@gov.scot
Substance use amongst inpatients on mental health wards: practical guide for mental health services
Guidance published by the Scottish government on response to substance use on mental health wards. To be used by Mental Health Services and NHS health boards in conjunction with existing local guidance for responding to substance use incidents on inpatient wards.
Guidance: MAT standards informed response for benzodiazepine harm reduction
Guidance produced by Public Health Scotland which sets out key principles for staff working with those with high risk of drug related harms. It may be of particular relevance for those in specialist treatment services who regularly engage with people using street benzodiazepines as well as opioids. If you have any questions about this resource, please contact: PHS.comms@phs.scot.
Microdosing: An Off-Label Titration Approach in Opioid Dependence
A poster outlining the Microdosing approach and outcomes to buprenorphine undertaken within NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This was developed as a component of a toolbox offering all necessary options for patients and prescribers to provide Realistic Medicine approaches to shared care. For further support with this resource please contact: Rebecca.Beaumont@aapct.scot.nhs.uk