The below resources will support health and social care professionals when implementing the MAT standards.
Involvement plan
As part of the development of the MAT standards, we involved people with lived experience and their families. This helped us to understand the variety of needs of people who access the services. It also made sure the standards are person centred, and trauma informed.
Stakeholder insights, barriers and recommendations for improvement
Substance use harm affect certain communities more than others. Understanding this allows improvement efforts to be focused where they are needed most. We completed research to ensure the MAT standards are effective in helping those who’s needs are currently unmet.
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.
Read our case studies:
- Reducing harm in communities – NHS Fife
- Quality improvement in the system – NHS Highland
- A case study on accessible substance use services in the community –Buchanhaven Pharmacy
Reflections
Our reflections about the MAT standards implementation come from people working within the team and some of our partners.
Read the reflections for insights into the project:
- Nurturing housing in drug and alcohol addiction – Stephen Wishart and Ruth Robin (February 2025)
- Positive pharmacy experiences – Adrian MacKenzie (December 2024)
- Cocaine is not addictive, right? – Eddie Gorman, Project Manager, Harbour Ayrshire (December 2023)
- Reflections on moving sectors – Stephen Wishart, Improvement Advisor at Healthcare Improvement Scotland (December 2023)
- Reflections on pharmacy – Adrian MacKenzie, Improvement Advisor at Healthcare Improvement Scotland (December 2023)
- Reflections on alcohol services – Andrea Mohan, University of Dundee, and Elena Dimova, Glasgow Caledonian University (December 2023)
Pharmacy impact report
We engaged with stakeholders to assess the impact of the MAT standards on community pharmacies in Scotland. Our recommendations will help to inform the design of a national improvement programme for MAT standards implementation.
Continue reading: Assessing the impact and implications of the MAT Standards on community pharmacy services report
MAT standards national webinar series
Take a look at the materials from our national webinar series to learn more about the MAT standards.
MAT standards national webinar series
Brief insights
In July 2023, the improvement support for MAT standards implementation programme engaged with services across Scotland to develop a series of brief insights. These focus on innovations in local service delivery.
Logic model
Our logic model explains in detail the purpose of this programme and how we carried it out.