Pharmacotherapy's Pandemic Shift: Insights from Sarah Lord
There's so many benefits of pharmacotherapy, not only for the person that's on the treatment program, but for the broader community.
When COVID-19 hit, the world had to adapt quickly, and opioid dependence treatment was no exception. In this episode of 'Straight From the Source', Sarah Lord from Harm Reduction Victoria shares her perspective on the rapid changes made to pharmacotherapy delivery during the pandemic. Pharmacotherapy, a crucial treatment for many dealing with opioid dependence, saw some significant adjustments to ensure patients continued receiving care amidst lockdowns and restrictions.
Sarah discusses the introduction of telehealth, which has been a game-changer for those in rural and regional areas, making treatment more accessible than ever before. She also touches on the different pharmacotherapy options available, like Suboxone film and Subutex tablets, and how these have benefited patients. However, not all changes were smooth sailing. Sarah candidly talks about the challenges and unintended consequences that arose, offering a balanced view of the situation.
Despite the hurdles, she remains optimistic about the future of pharmacotherapy and encourages anyone struggling to seek help. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in understanding how the pandemic reshaped opioid dependence treatment and what it means moving forward.