The Supervised Methadone and Resettlement Team nurse: an effective approach with opiate-dependent, homeless people.
Homelessness and substance misuse have risen dramatically over the past 30 years in the UK. The role of the primary care nurse has been signalled as important in working with people who have drug and alcohol problems, and for improving the general health of homeless people. This article focuses on the role of the primary care nurse in a Supervised Methadone and Resettlement Team (SMART). The team works in central Bristol, in southwest England, with people who are homeless and using illegal opiates. The aim of this report is to provide descriptive information that demonstrates the value of the primary care nurse, working in a multiagency partnership, in dealing with the problems of this homeless population, many of whom have problems associated with illicit drug use. Client outcomes from a small sample of homeless persons are also described.
Mistral
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The Mental Health R&D Unit, University of Bath/Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Care Trust, UK. hsxwm@bath.ac.uk
Hollingworth
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D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017751:Safety Management
D008691:Methadone