Opioid agonist treatment in transition: A cross-country comparison between Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Original research
by
Schwartz, Tanja et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Europe

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

OAT is a well developed and successful treatment strategy for opioid dependant patients in Europe, which contributed significantly to the fight against the HIV and HCV pandemic and contributed to an increased life expectancy in this population. Building on the OAT experiences in Austria, Germany and Switzerland and their model of care, the objective of this study is to analyze experiences and changes in patient structures to identify necessary adaptations for the system of care.

Findings/Key points

In all three countries, the percentage of patients/cases aged 60 years and older increased more than tenfold between 2010 and 2020.

Design/methods

We examined and compared OAT policies and practice at national levels through a review of literature and publicly available policy documents.

Keywords

Transitions in care/treatment
Substitution/OAT
About PWUD