Current status of implementation of new drug treatment standards across Scotland
First published on 23 June 2022
- Drugs
- Pharmacy and prescribing
Public Health Scotland has published today a national report that details the current status of the implementation of new treatment standards that aim to improve access, choice and care for people who experience drug problems.
The benchmarking document provides evidence of the current stage of implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards and highlights some of the changes being made to introduce them across the country.
MAT refers to the use of medication, such as opioids, together with psychological and social support, in the treatment and care of individuals who experience problems with their drug use.
The MAT Standards consist of ten evidence-based measurable standards of care and they provide a framework to help increase the number of people receiving effective treatment, while also ensuring that care is safe, and that it enables people to benefit from treatment and support for as long as they need it.
The report published today provides aggregate data on the progress of the implementation of the MAT standards nationally. A fuller report will be published in August 2022 and this will include improvement plans for MAT standards in the community and justice settings of ADP areas.