[Is methadone maintenance provided by private practitioners effective?].
OBJECTIVE
Involvement of private practitioners in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) enhances its availability. However, effectiveness of such treatments is still debated.


METHODS
A retrospective case register analysis comparing the retention of private practices with that of specialised institutions. All methadone maintenance treatment starting between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1999. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates to test for different retention times; Cox-regression procedure to control for baseline differences between the two populations.


RESULTS
Even after controlling for distinct patient characteristics, MMT by private practitioners resulted in a longer retention time.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings favour the involvement of private practitioners. Providing better professional and financial support may enhance their participation.
Stohler
Rudolf
R
Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Sektor West und Zentrale Sozialpsychiatrische Dienste, Zürich. stohler@spd.unizh.ch
Nordt
Carlos
C
Falcato
Luis
L
Dürsteler-MacFarland
Kenneth M
KM
Rössler
Wulf
W
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011331:Private Practice; D011379:Prognosis; D013557:Switzerland; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone