Abstract
Behavioural Science Recommendations
Adhering to opioids prescribed as part of OST can benefit both physical and psychological health. OST adherence of those prescribed is influenced by what they know and what they can do (capability); people around them and the physical environment (opportunity); and by beliefs, what they want, how they see themselves, how they regulate emotion, and habit (motivation).
To support changes since COVID-19:
• Facilitate the planning and development of OST services, which enable individuals to receive support and timely access to OST3-7, and offer assertive outreach and virtual consultations where appropriate,
• Continue to liberalise OST dispensing arrangements where appropriate, guided by an individuals' risk assessment which includes risk of diversion, safeguarding, and safe storage arrangements. Providers must communicate effectively with the individual and collaborate on proposed changes to dispensing arrangements to support adherence,
• Where needed, adjust services to facilitate physical-distancing, self-isolating, quality of life, and shielding (if relevant); this may include dispensing larger volumes for self-administration at home, delivery of medication, long-acting formulations, and/or identification of a nominated individual to assist in the collection, management, or safe storage of prescriptions. Support access to digital devices for those receiving mobile or online support,
• Vaccine uptake (including hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines) to be encouraged and facilitated8-9,
• Continue harm reduction interventions, holistic, and wrap-around support services10 such as take-home naloxone and needle syringe provision; blood borne virus screening and treatment; psychosocial interventions (including digital and virtual options); advice on self-care, health, and wellbeing; and services to facilitate housing and safe shelter for those who are homeless or vulnerably housed11, or otherwise at risk.
We recommend following the British Psychological Society's Behavioural Science and Disease Prevention: Psychological guidance12 to shape any policy and communications strategy.
Adhering to opioids prescribed as part of OST can benefit both physical and psychological health. OST adherence of those prescribed is influenced by what they know and what they can do (capability); people around them and the physical environment (opportunity); and by beliefs, what they want, how they see themselves, how they regulate emotion, and habit (motivation).
To support changes since COVID-19:
• Facilitate the planning and development of OST services, which enable individuals to receive support and timely access to OST3-7, and offer assertive outreach and virtual consultations where appropriate,
• Continue to liberalise OST dispensing arrangements where appropriate, guided by an individuals' risk assessment which includes risk of diversion, safeguarding, and safe storage arrangements. Providers must communicate effectively with the individual and collaborate on proposed changes to dispensing arrangements to support adherence,
• Where needed, adjust services to facilitate physical-distancing, self-isolating, quality of life, and shielding (if relevant); this may include dispensing larger volumes for self-administration at home, delivery of medication, long-acting formulations, and/or identification of a nominated individual to assist in the collection, management, or safe storage of prescriptions. Support access to digital devices for those receiving mobile or online support,
• Vaccine uptake (including hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines) to be encouraged and facilitated8-9,
• Continue harm reduction interventions, holistic, and wrap-around support services10 such as take-home naloxone and needle syringe provision; blood borne virus screening and treatment; psychosocial interventions (including digital and virtual options); advice on self-care, health, and wellbeing; and services to facilitate housing and safe shelter for those who are homeless or vulnerably housed11, or otherwise at risk.
We recommend following the British Psychological Society's Behavioural Science and Disease Prevention: Psychological guidance12 to shape any policy and communications strategy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Leicester |
| Publisher | British Psychological Society |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Aug 2022 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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