Investigating the effect on public behaviour of patients of a Medically Supervised Injectable Maintenance Clinic
Abstract
Purpose
The behaviour of patients of alcohol and other drug treatment services in the communities where the services are based has often been a major problem for the services. This study seeks to investigate the street behaviour of patients enrolled in a Medically Supervised Injectable Maintenance Clinic (MSIMC) implemented as part of the Randomised Injectable Opioid Treatment Trial (RIOTT), into the effectiveness and efficacy of providing injectable opioids versus conventional oral methadone.
Design/methodology/approach
Patient behaviour on the streets of Camberwell was recorded via data from records of the fortnightly Camberwell Street Population Forum (CSPF), between 12/11/2004 and 08/09/2006.
Findings
In total, 81 individuals were identified as engaging in anti‐social behaviour or being part of the street population, including seven (8.6 per cent) who had also taken part in the RIOTT. There was a clear treatment effect for RIOTT participants.
Originality/value
The use of CSPF records suggests a substantial treatment effect for the individuals who appeared on its register.
Keywords
Citation
Miller, P., McKenzie, S., Walker, J., Lintzeris, N. and Strang, J. (2011), "Investigating the effect on public behaviour of patients of a Medically Supervised Injectable Maintenance Clinic", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 204-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/17459261111194143
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited