Overview

Whilst there have been clinical trials exploring the efficacy of depot buprenorphine, less attention has been paid to consumers’ experiences of depot buprenorphine. During this session, we present the findings from a recent Australian study that explored consumers’ experiences of care and how depot buprenorphine affords different practical and social experiences. We also hear from a harm reduction advocacy organisation about how depot buprenorphine has been received by consumers more widely in the community. In view of these insights, we consider implications for clinical practice and how care might be improved in the future.

Objectives:

1. To explore consumers’ experiences of depot buprenorphine
2. To examine how depot buprenorphine affords or constrains opportunities for consumers in different ways
3. To consider how depot buprenorphine care might be improved in the future
    

About the presenter

Tony Barnett is a research fellow at Turning Point. Working in the clinical and social research team, his work explores the social and cultural contexts of alcohol and other drug use, treatment (including novel therapeutic interventions) and policy. His work draws on social science methods to provide in-depth accounts of consumers, carers and clinicians’ experience of addiction treatment, care and recovery.

Sione Crawford is the Chief Executive Officer at Harm Reduction Victoria. Sione has worked in the NSW, ACT and Victorian organisations of people who use drugs since 2004 in a number of roles including peer education, community development, policy and advocacy and management.