Are urine tests within opioid agonist treatment a justified practice?

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_F6E96A7DB69D
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Are urine tests within opioid agonist treatment a justified practice?
Journal
Heroin Addiction And Related Clinical Problems
Author(s)
Baud Carole-Anne, Schmitt-Koopmann Caroline, Junod Valerie, Dickson Cheryl, Brulisauer Lukas, Broers Barbara, Simon Olivier
Publication state
Published
Issued date
12/2023
Volume
25
Number
6
Pages
25-28
Language
english
Abstract
In most countries, urine tests are required for opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Whilst Swiss federal law does not require urine tests as part of OAT follow-up, several Swiss cantons either request or recommend them. This article presents a viewpoint previously published in a French and a French/German paper supported by Swiss associations of addiction professionals. The article questions the legal and medical justification for such tests in connection with OAT. The flaws of urine testing as a clinical assessment tool are discussed, as well as the potentially negative impact on the therapeutic process for opioid dependence. In line with a person-centred approach, recommendations include removing the obligation from any remaining legislation and limiting tests to situations where the person in treatment has requested them.
Keywords
Urine tests, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), Opioid Dependence
Web of science
Create date
19/01/2024 10:09
Last modification date
20/01/2024 8:13
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