Improving Health Care for Clients in Opiate Treatment Via Evidence-based Practice Quality Improvement

Abstract

This session presents findings from a Systems Change project designed to improve healthcare of clients in a large Opiate Treatment Program in Southeastern Massachusetts. Based upon research evidence, the project expanded nurses' roles in a Methadone Dispensing Program to increase access to primary and preventative health care for the programs' 750 clients. The presentation will highlight successes and challenges to the change process and offer practical suggestions on integrating of primary healthcare in an Opiate Treatment Program.