Shared care development areas: opioid prescribing

Abstract

This paper illustrates one of the few services developed in an inner London borough in response to the growing dependency on opioids. It shows what can be achieved with services developed from an addictions background and how valuable this can be for patients. It also illustrates, through case studies, what can be achieved with experienced non-medical prescribers delivering the service in primary care, often treating patients with developed patterns of dependency on opioids and how this can be treated using substitute medication.